Letter to Finance Minister Piyush Goyal over Budget

February 2, 2019

Shri Piyush Goyal,

Hon. Minister of Finance, Railways & Corporate Affairs,

Govt of India,

New Delhi.

Dear Piyush ji,

Firstly Heartiest Congratulations for presenting a fantastic Budget 2019-20. It has stirred up the salaried and middle class of the country and reflects the holistic approach of the government for the welfare of all sections of citizenry.

The budget has focussed on weaker sections of society while maintaining fiscal prudence, which is commendable. The budget’s tilt towards farmers, MSMEs, unorganized labour, lower middle class, etc. is understandable. The measures like cash transfer to small and marginal farmers, increase in benefits for labourers, will give income support to these sections of society.

Your decision to increase the minimum taxable limit is a welcome step. It would encourage many more non-salaried individuals to file correct taxes.  

Sir, your journey from a BJP Mumbai Office bearer to the Nation’s Finance Minister has been indeed remarkable and I have been privileged to witness it.

Your tenure as Minister for Power saw transformational changes in India's power sector including the fast-tracking of electrification of the nearly 18,000 unelectrified villages in some of the remotest and inaccessible parts of the country, the rollout of the most comprehensive power sector reform ever (UDAY), the success of the world's largest LED bulb distribution programme (UJALA) for energy efficiency, and massive proliferation of renewable energy through the world's largest renewable energy expansion programme.

Your other achievements include the elimination of coal shortages to improve the energy security of India and the successful conduct of transparent e-auctions of coal blocks.

That you have been handed over such important ministries like Railways, Coal, Power, Corporate Affairs and now Finance is a reflection on your capability and the innate confidence which the Hon. Prime Minister has in you.

We wish you a highly successful tenure in the Union Government in the service of the nation.

With Best Regards,

Dayanand Nene