"It is a balanced budget with a thrust on the right sectors. However, we will have to see if it is implemented. De-reservation of certain items from the small sector is another welcome and long overdue step. I am not too clear about VAT as it does not affect my main product - books"

"The proposed budget will be able to aid reforms. The tax structure has been simplified - this move will definitely allow tax analysts and chartered accountants to focus on more important features than just reading through the balance sheets or tallying of accounts. They can now study tax planning for corporate houses, establishments. 

Though the tax structure has been simplified, it will not make accountants redundant. I feel the budget proposal is oriented towards benefiting the middle-class employee. Overall a good budget."

"The proposed budget for fiscal 2005-2006 is exporter-friendly. There has been a 50 percent reduction in the duty imposed on crude petroleum products in India. Along with that, handling rates of freight is also being reduced, thus the importers are happy too. The proposed budget will bring about improvements in infrastructure as well. As a country, with this budget, we will march forward."

"A 10 percent service tax has been levied on the Housing sector. Now a builder will not only end up paying sales tax but will also have to pay an extra 10 percent service tax which is levied if the apartment complex has more than 12 units. So far, service and sales tax were never applicable together - this point has to be clarified by the Finance Minister. Eventually, a middle-class employee, who I consider the only 'honest tax payers', planning to buy a house will eventually end up suffering as the tax burden will get passed on to him.

"The proposed budget has lowered excise duties which is good news for the businessmen of Vizag. The introduction of Value Added Tax from the 1st of April will have its advantages. Banking transaction tax of Rs 10 which is proposed to be charged on cash withdrawal of over Rs 10,000 in a single day is also not a good decision as a home makers generally tend to withdraw more than Rs 10,000 for payment of electricity bills, school fees, house tax, fuel, etc. Many of such points need to be re-worked."

INS Magar, a landing ship of the Eastern Fleet and Bombay Engineers Group known as the Bombay Sappers were affiliated at a simple ceremony held onboard INS Magar at Naval Dockyard on the 14th of March, 2005 in Visakhapatnam. The affiliation of Naval ships and Army units in a practice in vogue which is aimed to act as a force multiplier within Armed Forces by fostering greater harmony, understanding inter-service customs, traditions, culture and combat potential. 

One of the functions of the Bombay Sappers is to clear 'mines' in the enemy beaches and make way for the troops to move from landing ships to shore. The landing ship like Magar are used to land the Army troops to shore during amphibious operations on enemy shores.

The ceremony onboard began with inspection of Army-Navy guard who was the chief guest for the occasion. Later a 'Charter of Affiliation' was signed by LtGen S. Pattabhiraman, AVSM, SM, VSM, the Colonel Commandant, Rear Admiral S.K. Damle, AVSM, NM, VSM Fleet Commander of the Eastern Fleet, Brigadier K. Babbayya, Commandant of Bombay Engineers group and Cdr Deepak Dhar, Commanding Officer, INS Magar. A brochure has also been released on this occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Army Commander said that both the units have stood for tradition and valour and this affiliation in future will only enhance these qualities among the personnel of both units.