MUMBAI, 6th February, 2017 (GPN) : “Overall, the Union Budget seems to be a realistic, value packed and forward thinking one, that should advance India further into the path of digital and infrastructural advancement, especially from a grass root perspective. We welcome the fact that a panel for further digital reforms has been suggested. This will ease the way India does business. The fact that Rs 3.9 lakh crores has been apportioned to infrastructure development, tourism zones are to be developed in partnership with states, 2000 km of coastal roads have been identified for development and national highways have also been granted Rs 64,000 crores are very forwarded thinking measures bound to improve tourism and the standard of living. At UBM India, we cover 16 verticals of which we are seen as pioneers in the field of pharma industry. I am buoyant about the news that regulatory laws regarding medical devices are to be introduced which will encourage foreign investment. With regard to the Renewable Energy space, it is heartening to see the Finance Minister mention measures such as the addition of 20 GW of solar power capacity, the feeding of railway station with solar power, and his confirmation that there will be full electrification of Indian villages by March 1, 2018. On the whole, I believe Union Budget 2017 presents a strong statement and is in sync with the measures undertaken by the Government especially since last year. Besides, the fact that our inflation rate has been controlled in comparison with the double digit inflation rate from just 3-4 years ago is also worth feeling positive about.”