CNBC AWAAZ's special programming on 'Interim Budget'

MUMBAI: As India goes through elections soon, the current Finance Minister presented the Interim Budget to the parliament. The past year was full of uncertain and unexpected events that were fuelled by global economic slowdown. In turbulent times like these, Interim Budget was seen as the government's last chance to make its presence felt on the economy. CNBC AWAAZ took a step back this season to analyse how the UPA Government has performed in the last year.

As a part of its multi-faceted programming at the juncture of the Interim Budget, CNBC AWAAZ presented special shows to help the viewers understand the interim budget better. The Channel focused strongly on adding value to the viewer experience and building interactivity on the day of India's most important economic event of the year.

Kaisa Raha Yeh Saal Aur Poora UPA Regime: The panel discussion included panelists from the Government, the opposition and independent experts on the economy. The show revisited the Government's promises, its great success, its mammoth failures and its plans if re-elected.

What say Mr. Minister?: An interview based show with ex- finance ministers, likely finance ministers in the next Govt. and financial experts, about the economic decisions, the recession in the backdrop of the looming election and the Interim Budget. Met top politicians, policymakers and influencers like the Finance Minister, P.Chidambaram, Yashwant Sinha, Jaswant Singh, Sitaram Yechuri and Montek Singh Ahluwalia to find out how this Interim Budget can craft the election agenda.

Corporate India waiting for a New Tax Regime: Even as the industry trudges its way through a global slowdown, it eagerly awaited policy decisions on tax among many others. The show in the form of a panel discussion with industry captains and experts debated about the possible future.

Taxation - For Individuals: Although we know that taxes are inevitable, it is every tax payer's undying wish to have his tax burden reduced. CNBC AWAAZ provided a platform to the common man on the street to air his opinion on the most detested three letter word.

Tax SME's And Business: SMEs form a significant part of India's production capacity as they account for over 40% of India's industrial production. But many of these units have taken the biggest hit in the global recession. This special show focused on how provisions and reforms for this sector gave them the much-needed boost.

Employment Generation: Employment generation has always been a challenge for any government. However, with the global recession setting in and the specter of unemployment looming large, the government and industry have their work cut out. How can we cope in these trying times to boost employment?

Economists: The Key Challenges –
Agriculture, Health, Education & Infrastructure: The UPA government laid stress on many initiatives like the mid-day meal programme, rural development schemes and scholarships for needy students & investing Rs.1,74,000 crore in infrastructure & telecommunications in rural areas. Have these programmes actually made a difference to the common man? This show tried to understand if the basic needs of the citizen were addressed and what measures the government could undertake to correct itself.

Markets: In a global economy, no stock market is decoupled. The past few weeks have seen unprecedented measures across the world to keep financial institutions afloat. Regulatory reforms are eagerly awaited and measures to inject liquidity in the market will be welcomed. Where does the ordinary investor stand in the midst of all this? This was brought out in a special feature show only on CNBC AWAAZ.

VOA-Speech: FM's Speech Live In Hindi: The landmark speech was followed by analysis and detailing of the implications of the same on the economy, citizens and the government over the next few months

VOA Analysis: On the eve of the Interim Budget, CNBC AWAAZ presented a unique show with a panel of experts demystifying and analysing the Interim Budget speech for the common man. This panel brought out the expectations and impact of Interim Budget to the nation.

Rail Budget: The Rail Budget speech by Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav detailed what all was done to improve a common man's rail travel, what new trains and router were added and the common man's take away from it. The show also went on-ground and displayed views of the public of the announcements made as a part of the Rail Budget.

Rail Budget Analysis: On the new Rail Budget, CNBC AWAAZ presented a show with a panel of experts analyzing the year's performance of Railway under Lalu Prasad Yadav and its impact on the common man. This panel brought out the road ahead for Indian Railways and impact of Rail Budget on the nation.

The New Agenda: Has the global recession put brakes on the Indian juggernaut? What critical economic decisions can be taken to shield the economy from it? CNBC AWAAZ went on-ground to the youth that's driving the economy for their take on what needs to be done to bring the nation's economy back on track.

Budget Ho Toh Aisa - Aage Ka Agenda: CNBC AWAAZ went to the taxpayer to find out what his expectations were from the government-in-waiting. Whether an investor or a consumer, every economic policy decision brings along many expectations and predictions that the taxpayer hopes, will change life for the better. What does the man on the street expect from the government? CNBC AWAAZ brought his voice to the powers by giving him a platform in Aage Ka Agenda.

Meri Naukri Mera Budget: With the economic slowdown spreading its tentacles across India, the organized workforce now has something new to worry about – Retrenchment - the aam aadmi's nightmare & the youth's fear. CNBC AWAAZ brings to you the trials & the tribulations of the common man.

SME Agenda: Is the SME growth story still intact? Has the drying up of liquidity stemmed the Indian SME dream? What is that the governments needs to do to reinforce confidence & empower India's fastest growing community

Corporate Wish List: A series of vignettes with top CEO's expressing their fiscal policy expectations from the government.

Speaking on this, Mr. Neel Chowdhury, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, CNBC-TV18 & CNBC AWAAZ said, "Our economy is at a very crucial juncture. The decisions that the present government has taken now will be crucial as they will be the starting point for the next. On this occasion CNBC AWAAZ has presented its viewers with comprehensive view of the vote and what it meant for all the stakeholders."