The twelve major ports in the country have been allocated Rs 722 crore compared to Rs 624.64 crore of the last budget. The plan assistance to port trusts mainly relates to development of infrastructure at the ports of match the tupe of vessels.

For the development of national highway authority of india, a substantial sum of Rs 500 crore has been earmarked in the budget as against Rs 300 crore in the last budget.

Meanwhile, Mr Sinha announced liberal tax concessions to encourage house building activities, which is an important demand to boost the economy and part of national agenda for governance of the BJP led coalation government.

The budget provides relief for film industry, newspaper and magazine industry. With an object to reduce the consumption of the ciggrates, duty onciggrates has been increased. Match boxes, however, would be cheaper. While no changes has been made in post card rates, inland letters and parcel would costs more.

The finance minister also announced three major new schemes for tax return, quick refund of arrears and recognition to honest tax payers. The bjp leaders who, while in the opposition cried from rooftops demanding raising the income-tax exemption limit to Rs 60,000, unfortunately have failed to bridge the gap between their words and deeds.