The former US president late Ronald Reagan had once said “Economy: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidise it”.

If I were the finance minister, I would have asked all MPs to stay in private 5 star hotels. This would have helped the hotel industry recover from the slump after the 26/11 terrorist attacks.

I would have reduced the duty on ATF (aircraft fuel) and other charges so that air fares would come down and more people would travel by air thereby helping the loss making airlines and reduce the burden on railways.

I would also have given interest free loans to people to buy consumer durables, vehicles and houses. This would keep the factories going and prevent job losses.

It is also a good idea to give tax holiday for a year to all citizens. The amount they save from this would flow in to the economy and give it a boost.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, are you listening? I would prove to be a better finance minister than Pranabh Mukherjee.