Before fixing a new date for the presentation of Union Budget 2017- 18, the government is likely to hold discussions with the Election Commission to avoid any clash with the schedule of five states headed for polls. Assembly elections are due to be held
in February in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. “ Now that the government has decided to advance the Budget, some kind of consultations need to happen with Election Commission,” a top official said. The elections in five states, he said,
are likely to be held in phases and the government in no way wants any of them to clash with the budgetary exercise. The Cabinet last week agreed to advance the presentation of the Budget to complete the legislative exercise before the beginning of the new
financial year on April 1 as it would help plan spending on schemes better and boost economy. - www.business-standard.com[26-09-2016]