The Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee began his budget speech, noting that food inflation remains a concern and development needs to be more inclusive. He proposed increasing agricultural growth and private investment. Key points from the budget included increasing the fiscal deficit target to 4.6% for fiscal year 2012, raising tax exemption limits, and allocating additional funds for rural development, infrastructure, and health programs.
111. 12:51 : Service tax widened to cover hotel accommodation above Rs 1,000 per day, A/C restaurants serving liquor, some category of hospitals, diagnostic tests