If I were the finance minister: Here's what Indian Gen-Z says they will focus on

Susmitha Akula

We keep building more roads, but who’s taking care of their upkeep? “Infrastructure is not just about building more roads and highways, but directing funds towards its regular maintenance,” says Susmitha Akula, 19, an anthropology student. She also urges for more spending on irrigation infrastructure, as well as government-aided harvest machinery. Akula gets our vote for highlighting a grouse of the common man. “There should be skill-training for officials who oversee implementation of government policies at a grassroots level,” she says, arguing for stronger welfare policies “funding NGOs dealing with development of minority groups, social entrepreneurship, funding in-house production of medicine and facilitating its supply and so on is important.” Lastly, she calls for “creation and protection of non-partisan think tanks to overlook matters of civil crime and corruption.” 

Brain drain, refrain

Nachiket Gurjar

Nachiket Gurjar, 19, a political science student at St Xavier’s College, identifies a gap in the education system, “The budget should focus on increasing funding for primary education,” he says, “as most of the lower level schools are underdeveloped.” He’d also seek more funding for research and development. “This would ensure that our intelligentsia doesn’t migrate abroad,” referring to the problem of “brain drain”. His third pick is what all Mumbaikars would agree with — spending on infrastructural growth such as public roads and sanitation.

The Three Es

Swara Patil

Spending on defence should be a priority, says Swara Patil, 19, a political science student at St Xavier’s College, but not at the cost of other aspects. “My Budget would focus on three Es — education, economic development, and environment.” The Budget should, in her opinion, focus on skills-based training for the youth, as well as building proper educational infrastructure. She also pushes for qualitative economic development, stating, “Economic growth should not just be in terms of numbers, but should reflect in  everyday lives of citizens. This includes employment opportunities and skill development. This will increase the quality of life.” Lastly, she stresses upon saving the environment, “There is nothing without the environment that sustains us. It is time we do something tangible to save the Earth.”

Lower taxes = More foreign investment

Ankit Chakraborty

With the recent increase in long-term and short-term capital gains taxes, because of which, “in my opinion, India is losing out on a lot of foreign investment”, says Ankit Chakraborty, 21, a recent graduate of communication and media from Christ (deemed) University in Bengaluru. “Also, the Rupee isn’t doing well compared to Dollars. If I was a foreign investor, I’d want to invest in India since it’s an emerging market and better returns, but if I have to pay such high taxes along with currency depreciation, it just makes no sense,” he adds, pushing for lower taxes.  His next priority would be education, and research and development. “In the last few years, we have focused a lot on defence, and the railways. According to the NEP 2020, our education spending should be around 6 per cent, but right now it’s hovering around 2-3 per cent.” 

Cheaper movie tickets

Nila Varma

Indian cities need to be walkable,” says Nila Mukund Varma, 19, a mass communication student. “Walking  around should not feel like a survival show. My hostel is barely five kilometers from college, but completely unwalkable. We need better pedestrian infrastructure.” She would also put lesser taxes on movies, saying that a movie ticket should not cost '480.

Not fare!

Yugandhara Bandiwadekar

Remember when a Rs 5 bus ticket could get you across town? With fares having doubled, the rising cost of public transportation is a major concern for Yugandhara Bandiwadekar, 19, a second-year science student. “I’d want bus fares to reduce their fares, especially for shorter distances.” Rising fuel costs are partly to blame, of course. “My mother tells me how you could fill your car’s fuel tank up for Rs 200 at one point. Now that amount gets you barely halfway through.” After paying more for a bus or car ride to, says, the movie theatre, there’s yet another thing that empties wallets: “The food at theatres now costs more than the movie tickets!”