The countdown for announcement of the budget for fiscal 2005-06 has started. The budget is being awaited by every segment of society with varying degree of hope and uncertainty, with a majority looking forward to some relief from the financial crunch. Economic experts have opined that the positive macro economic indicators, including capital inflow, consistency in economic reforms and ongoing mega development projects, will help the country achieve its goals. In this context, the coming budget is likely to go easy on the masses.
A number of people from various segments of society were asked about their views regarding the pre-budget scenario, and their hopes and fears in this regard. A majority said that the government should address the basic issues, which affect their everyday life.
Pitris Masih Gill, a factory worker, talking to APP said: "The labour class is the worst hit due to the growing discrepancy in their earnings and the escalating prices." He said the prices of essential food items should be brought down for the survival of the low-income class.
A tailor Mohammad Akram observed that the life of the common man is already tough, and it will be impossible to survive if the coming budget sees a further increase in prices.
"We work hard as skilled workers to earn a decent living, while the dream of a better life keeps eluding us due to the rising inflation," he said, adding that prices of daily use products should be checked to ease the burden.
A roadside vendor Amjad Ali said the economic condition of the poor man needed to be improved, and it was up to our government and policy makers to ensure this in the coming budget.
The government needs to evolve policies with far-reaching effects to reduce poverty, generate employment opportunities through agricultural and industrial development, and by boosting exports in an increasingly competitive world to achieve economic progress, which can trickle down to the masses, observed economic experts.
Meanwhile, the masses are looking to the authorities to provide a people-friendly budget, which lives up to their expectations and aspirations.
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