By Sachin Bansal, Executive Chairman, Flipkart Why does India get anxious just before the Union Budget announcement every year? The reality is that the government announces policy changes through the year and the Budget is not the only policy game changer. However, the Budget sets the mood of the economy and injects hope of a positive change among the people. Budget 2016 comes at an interesting juncture. These are turbulent times. The United States, Europe and Japan are seeing low growth. China is struggling with debt and slowdown. While the situation in India is not as alarming, there is a general anxiety. In the face of these challenges, the finance minister has done a commendable juggling act and taken a number of key steps to keep the fiscal mood upbeat. The focus on improving road infrastructure is a welcome move. Along with the Railway Budget proposal to expand links to north-eastern India, this is a step in the right direction. While the finance minister has rightly allocated Rs 55,000 crore towards building roads, it is essential to ensure that the pace of execution is rapid and reliable. In the same vein, the proposal to revive 160 airports will enable last-mile delivery of essential commodities if implemented with urgency and purpose. For entrepreneurs, the government’s recognition of startups is admirable as it is accompanied by concrete steps. While quick registration of companies will enable ease of doing business, the proposed three-year tax holiday for new startups will go a long way in infusing confidence among entrepreneurs. The promises of electrification of 5,542 villages and digital literacy for Indians must be backed by effective action on the ground. Promoting technology adoption through the noble idea of Digital India should see greater inclusivity. That said, this Budget could have been bolder and more forward-thinking. There could have been more commitment to improving telecom infrastructure and the quality of mobile internet connectivity in smaller towns and villages. Also, besides reiterating that the current digital literacy programmes are underway, the Budget does not articulate what steps will be put in place to create more rural employment. Now, the government must collaborate productively with the Opposition to approve the Goods and Services Tax bill and other much-needed legislations. The Budget is a start. This government has a lot of work to do.