Ficci presents Budget wishes to BJP

NEW DELHI: A month ahead of the Budget, leading industry chamber Ficci on Saturday presented to BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu their wish-list that includes reduction in interest rates, implementation of VAT, simplification of procedures for mergers and measures to revive capital market.
A Ficci delegation, led by AC Muthiah, pointed that a long-term fiscal policy was required along with the early enactment of a Fiscal Responsibility Act and Lenders Liability law, a BJP release said.
Ficci also wants continuity of tax exemptions and bringing in more services under the tax net.
Naidu said there was a demand for private investment and greater employment generation.
More attention should be given to agriculture sector as it is a pre-requisite for attaining eight per cent growth, he said.
In this context, Naidu said the initiative taken by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to set up a Task Force to study the feasibility of linking up rivers is also a major initiative.
He said private participation was required to set up warehouses in rural areas.
The BJP president said the government was paying due attention to develop infrastructure by increasing connectivity in telecom, port, airport, roads and increasing housing to spur growth.
Naidu said the BJP will take up with the government the issues highlighted by Ficci after an internal discussion within the party.