Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 22: The department of Economics of St Aloysius College (autonomous) organised a panel discussion on budget 2018 on February 21, at the Eric Mathias Hall.

The chief guest, moderator, panelists and audience were welcomed by Alwyn Misquith, staff convener.

The chief guest, Fr Praveen Martis, principal, St Aloysius College (autonomous) in his opening speech welcomed the gathering to the panel discussion. Discussing the relevance of the important topic, he said, “We cannot build a future for our youth, but build our youth for the future.” He said that the discussion is sure to help youth build a future for the country.

Dr Norbert Lobo, HOD, Economics, St Aloysius College (autonomous), was the moderator for the panel discussion. “Our youth are confronted with immense information and there is a need to convert this information into knowledge,” he said. He explained the various challenges that the economy faces and how the discussion will bring light to more.

Panelist Rohan Tauro, alumni, currently pursuing CA, focused on three aspects of the budget, including education, technology and arts. He spoke about the government programme this year, RISE, which is to set up investments in research and related infrastructure in education institutions. Sukanya Rao, chartered financial goal planner, focused on aspects regarding women and healthcare in reference to the budget 2018. She was disappointed with the allocation towards healthcare, and says that most of initiatives are long term plans. She spoke of how higher education to women is free and assured in the new budget, but primary education is not emphasized. Priya Shetty, associate professor, PG department of Economics, St Aloysius College (autonomous), spoke of the state of agriculture in India after the budget 2018, some of its new initiatives and the budget allocated for its improvement. The final panelist, Dr Norbert Morris Shenoy, managing director, Aunanjali Securities, spoke about the budget overall, focusing on all aspects including finance. “The budget kills the golden goose to make omlets,” he said. He stated that the budget is long on vision but short on action. However, he concluded that he is happy with the budget, and said, “At this point of time where the government is going through difficulties in implementation of GST, the budget does justice.” The panel was then open to questions from the audience.

The moderator Dr Norbert Lobo concluded the discussion by saying, “Our purpose is fulfilled”. Reji P John, staff convener thanked the panelists and audience and wished them well for the economic year.