Union Budget 2010 has been an exercise to balance growth and taxes, costs & prices as said by FM ... Inflation is very much a cause for concern !

Being a Sustainable Development, Environment & Energy Specialist, I find somethings to cheer about ...

Although they are well meaning, It will depend upon effective implementation,

Need to provide food security, health care for all

Need to make development more inclusive

To establish National Clean Energy Fund

Increase outlay for higher education

Plan outlay for renewable energy raised to Rs 1000 cr

Rs 48000 cr allocated for Bharat Nirman

Rs 66100 cr allocated for rural development

To allocate Rs 22300 cr to Health Ministry

Increase allocation to NREGS and other welfare schemes

Weakness in govt system still a challenge

Lower tax burdens on individuals

Exempt carbon credit income earned from renewable energy

5% Customs Duty cut on setting up of solar power plant,

Excise duty on CFL products reduced to 4%

Excise duty on photovoltaic & solar panels waived

For wind power making rotors

Conducive eco-system for SMEs needed

Increase subsidy for solar energy to Rs 16/unit

UIDA to roll out 1st set of IDs by end of this year