The Department of Economics & Banking organized a Panel Discussion on the Interim Budget 2024 on the 08th of February 2024 in Hall No. 2, 5th Floor, College Central Block from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The objective of the panel discussion was to place a platform before the students and faculty of the College, for better understanding the budgetary situation of the Central Government by eminent speakers from across the spectrum, given the current expectations and needs of the country. The event sought to analyze and discuss the key aspects of the interim budget presented by the Government. The panel comprised three distinguished speakers; Vice-Principal Professor Sanjay Sawant Dessai, CA Vinayak V. Dhumatkar, and CA. Royce Pereira. Assistant Professor Mr. Shreyas Desai moderated the session.
At the outset, the Principal of the College, Professor Prita D. Mallya, addressed the gathering and welcomed the panelists and the moderator. Ms. Cidel Rodrigues, student of TY B.Com., introduced the panelists. The session began with comments by the panelists on their general impressions of the budget. Professor Sanjay Dessai provided his scholarly perspectives on the overall budget by meticulously displaying the key components of the budget. CA Vinayak Dhumatkar, with extensive experience in finance and taxation, provided insights into the budget’s fiscal policies and their implications on various sectors of the economy. While CA Royce Pereira, offered his expertise on the financial implications of the budget, focusing on taxation, investments, and fiscal management.
The panel discussion commenced with an overview of the key highlights of the Interim Budget 2024 presented by the government. Each panelist then presented their analysis and opinions on different aspects of the budget, including fiscal deficit targets, expenditure allocations, tax reforms, and sector-specific policies. Students enthusiastically participated in the discussion by posing various questions regarding the implications of the interim budget 2024 on various sectors, share markets, start-ups, taxes, government schemes, etc.
To conclude, all the panelists agreed that since the country is set to face the general elections, Budget 2024 is interim in nature, there are more expectations yet to be realised from the full budget which will be presented in July 2024 by the incoming government. Nonetheless, India has progressed extensively with a strong balance between economic growth and fiscal consolidation reflecting the country’s economic aspirations. It sets a broad direction for the management of the economy, focusing on growth, inclusivity, and reinforcing a pro-competition stance. The budget steers clear of populism and emphasizes building capabilities and lowering entry barriers in the market economy. It promotes development in infrastructure, particularly in physical, digital, and social aspects.
The Head of the Department of Economics and Banking, Dr. Lira M. Gama delivered the Vote of Thanks, for a fruitful discussion packed with expert views and deliberations. The Panel Discussion was organized and coordinated by Ms. Lizette D’Costa and Ms. Saruka Kalgutkar, Assistant Professors from the Department of Economics & Banking. 97 students and 27 Faculty members attended the Panel Discussion.
