Economists meet Arun Jaitley ahead of Union Budget

After banking sector and social group representatives on Tuesday, economists on Wednesday met finance minister Arun Jaitley ahead of the Union Budget.

The customary pre-Budget consultations are considered important as it helps the government in formulating policies.

Mahendra Dev S of IGIDR says there can be some deviation but one has to adhere to fiscal deficit in the medium term. "Agriculture is in a bad shape. Unless we have good monsoon, agriculture growth won't be there. So, there are a lot of suggestions on productivity increase in agriculture. There is a need for push in social sector expenditure, particularly on health."