Jaitley's Budget hint: Poll results don't dictate reforms

Giving a sneek peek at Budget, the most awaited event of the year, Finance minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday affirmed his government's determination to go ahead with reforms. Speaking in the presence of US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, who is visiting India to hold discussion on various economic aspects, Jaitley said India has emerged from its challenges at a time when global economic situation weak. "Fact that four elections have been won and one not won does not mean reforms will not happen," FM said adding the economy will have space to expand its poverty alleviation programmes and social sector schemes.

Intimating mediapersona about the dialogue between the two nations, Jaitley said the discussions veered around ease of doing business in India, scope of investment in infra and manufacturing, terror funding, money laundering cooperation to check black money etc.

When asked about his expectation from the upcoming Union Budget, the Treasury Secretary said it will not be right to pre-judge Budget that the FM is working on. He, however, hoped that India will be able to rein in subsidies and keep fiscal deficit under check.