HT Editors explain: Was the 2016 Union Budget a success?

Hindustan Times Economy Editor Gaurav Chaudhary takes you through the highlights of Jaitley’s budget. In this video, he explains how the budget has marked a strategic shift towards rural India.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley unveiled a largely pro-poor budget on Monday, bumping up social spending and farm credit to revive the rural economy without over-spending.

People watch TV at a showroom in Mumbai as Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presents the budget 2016-17 in Parliament on Monday. (PTI Photo)

Jaitley shunned populism while balancing the key priorities of investment, growth and jobs in a budget eyeing reforms. He spelt out plans for creating jobs, building infrastructure, simplifying tax rules and creating a climate for small businesses and start-ups to flourish.

Hindustan Times Economy Editor Gaurav Chaudhary takes you through the highlights of Jaitley’s budget. In this video, he explains how the budget has marked a strategic shift towards rural India:

Jaitley described his three priorities as: strengthening India’s firewalls by ensuring macroeconomic stability and prudent fiscal management; driving growth through domestic demand; and reforms to boost economic opportunity. Chaudhary discusses whether the budget is a success:

Here are the highlights of Jaitley’s budget for the fiscal year that begins on April 1: