At an annual pre-budget exercise at the Congress headquarters, most party leaders asked the finance minister to provide relief to “the common man”, bring down inflation to a single digit, reduce petrol prices, lower interest rates on agriculture, housing and education loans and offer a strong push for a higher growth in agriculture.
Deep concern was expressed over high prices of essential commodities and many leaders suggested strong measures against hoarders and middlemen.
Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan wanted the government to send out a strong message against corruption. Many leaders advocated targeted schemes for Muslims, women and youths.
Mani Shankar Aiyar made an important point by asking the finance minister to set up a committee to monitor the delivery mechanism as allocations in the social sector do not reach the targeted beneficiary.
A mechanism to ensure that the MP local area funds are spent on critical needs of the poor was also suggested.
Not even a single leader spoke of economic reforms or the need for continuing the stimulus package for industry.