The MBA students of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus, were invited to take part in the budget analysis discussions aired by two leading Malayalam television channels- Asianet News and Manorama News, soon after the Union Budget presentation on February 29, 2016. The MBA students asked thought-provoking questions, actively participating in the panel discussions.

The discussion panel in Asianet News consisted of Dr. Martin Patrick, Dr. Jose, Mr. Alex K. Babu, Mr. Vivek Krishna, Mr. K. P Padmakumar, Prof. Aravindakshan and Mr. Abraham- all experts from different fields. Amrita MBA (Kochi) students, Mr. Mithun Kumar Singh, Mr. Vishnu Krishnakumar, Ms. Shikha S. and Mr. Abhijith U., engaged the panel with their questions. Their questions were on topics such as: concentration of the budget  on the domestic market and its effects on foreign companies investing in India, GST not being mentioned, implications for e-commerce industry, whether the budget’s focus on rural and agriculture sectors impacted other sectors, especially the education and tourism sectors.

While on Manorama News, the panel saw experts Mr. Krishnakumar, Mr. Rajesh, Ms. Shanimol, Mr. Vijayaraghavan and Mr. Babu highlighting the pros and cons of the budget. Amrita MBA (Kochi) students, Mr. Vishnu C.K., Mr. Sumit Ashok, Ms. Revathy Nair, Mr. Sudhish Pai, Ms. Veena M., Mr. Arjun M. and Mr. Sreejith K., interacted with the panel to give clarity on certain nuances of the budget. The students examined different perspectives such as: the impact of OROP and Pay Commission recommendations on Government expenditure, investment in aviation sector, focus on research and development, the fate of ‘Make in India’ in light of this budget, the sufficiency of the amount kept aside for recapitalization of public sector banks in view of the rise in NPA, tax implications of the HRA, educational and medical allowances and the fiscal deficit targets.