Indian Budget 2004-05 Full Text of P. Chidambaram, Minister of Finance, Budget Speech(July 8, 2004)
I. INTRODUCTION
1. I rise to present the budget for the year 2004-05.
2. Every five years, or sometimes sooner, the people of India speak in their collective voice. The message is usually unambiguous and clear. Elections 2004 were no different. The people’s vote against one coalition – and the vote in favour of another coalition – was a vote for change. As the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, said in his address to the Nation two weeks ago, the people have sought "a change in the manner in which this country is run, a change in national priorities, and a change in the processes and focus of governance." I shall make every effort to be true to that mandate.
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