The Play Of Words: Jaitley's Optimistic Approach Is Infectious

It would be only naïve to dismiss the power of words; (even if they cannot change things) the comfort words could provide during the times of distress are certainly unimaginable. They could sure replenish your worn out confidence and make you stand up once more. While presenting the Union Budget 2017-18 Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tried to do the same. At a time when the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre is being vehemently criticised for demonetisation that brought the economic activity to a standstill, the wisely-chosen words in Jaitley's Budget Speech had the potential of acting as a balm, their actual import on your finances notwithstanding.

Here are some of those words which changed the overall mood in general and the common man's mood in particular:

Smoothening those ruffled feathers

“For several decades, tax evasion for many has become a way of life. This compromises the larger public interest and creates unjust enrichment in favour of the tax evader, to the detriment of the poor and deprived. This has bred a parallel economy which is unacceptable for an inclusive society. Demonetisation seeks to create a new 'normal' wherein the GDP (gross domestic product) would be bigger, cleaner and real.”

“This exercise (demonetisation) is part of our government's resolve to eliminate corruption, black money, counterfeit currency and terror funding. Like all reforms, this measure is obviously disruptive, as it seeks to change the retrograde status quo. Drop in economic activity, if any, on account of the currency squeeze during the remonetisation period is expected to have only a transient impact on the economy.”

Promoting the honest in general…

“We are largely a tax non-compliant society. The predominance of cash in the economy makes it possible for the people to evade their taxes. When too many people evade taxes, the burden of their share falls on those who are honest and compliant.”

… And affordable housing in particular

“We shall continue to undertake many more measures to ensure that the fruits of growth reach the farmers, the workers, the poor, the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, women and other vulnerable sections of our society. Our focus will be on energising our youth to reap the benefits of growth and employment.”

“The thrust of my tax proposals in this Budget is stimulating growth, relief to (the) middle class, affordable housing, curbing black money, promoting digital economy, transparency of political funding and simplification of tax administration.”

“We propose to facilitate higher investment in affordable housing. Affordable housing will now be given infrastructure status, which will enable these projects to avail the associated benefits.”