Checkout: Budget wishlist for various sectors

K Subramanayam
Asit C Mehta

The Union Budget for 2013-14 has lot of expectations from  the FM more so since the last 4 - 5 months have seen some bold measures in the oil& gas space, FDI, ECB borrowings relaxation for corporates,etc. Some measures  which will be keenly  expected are as follows:-

1. Relief for the auto sector- Some concessions in excise could be expected keeping the slagging auto demand in the past few months.

2. Metals –Export duty on iron –ore which was imposed at 30% could be relaxed to make exports competitive

3. Oil & gas -The customs duty on crude imports which was reduced to 0% may attract some levy since some decontrol on diesel and petrol have been announced.

4. Re-introduction of investment allowance on capital equipment which could boost fresh investments. This could provide incentives for the capital good sector in particular.

5. Concessions for the housing sector in the form of more tax deduction to individuals which will act as a catalyst for housing demand .

6. Sops for capital markets- Some re-orientation of the RGESS  which will make the scheme more attractive for capital market players .Some sops for the mutual fund industry could also be expected to promote investment in equity markets in the domestic front.