With 2011 being election year, the industry had a long wishlist of expectations from Gujarat finance minister Vaju Vala. But it seems, by targeting women and the social sector, Vala has upset the industries of the state.

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Gujarat, known for its entrepreneurial ventures, was expecting some relief in electricity duty for commercial and industrial sectors, which they did not get.

“This budget proposal is aimed only at the social sector. There is nothing in it for the industries. We are slightly disappointed,” said president of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Mahendra Patel.

The real estate sector, which has been demanding a halt in the rising jantri rates as well as cuts in stamp duty are disappointed as well.

“The association is disappointed as the demand for jantri and stamp duty remains unnoticed. But we appreciate that the common man will benefit from the cut in electricity duty,” said Rushabh Patel, president of Gujarat Institute of Housing and Estate Developers (Gihed).

Realtor and Credai vice president, Jaxay Shah agrees with Patel and says that there is nothing in particular for the real estate sector in the budget.

“However, Vala has, for the first time, announced investment in the Metro Train project for Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. This may boost the sector in the future,” he said.

By making a budget for the social sector, Vala has put special focus on women's empowerment, child welfare, youth power, sports activities, health care, said former CII Gujarat State Council chairman, Naishadh Parikh.

Meanwhile, the announcement of VAT rate-cut on electric vehicles comes as a relief for consumers and e-bike makers alike.

“Our e-bikes are now cheaper by Rs2,500 to Rs4,000. We are happy that for the first time, the state government has reduced VAT on electric vehicles from 15% to 5%. This reduction will help our customers as it is a step towards the state becoming India's electric vehicles hub,” said Avinash Bhandari, joint managing director, Electrotherm India Ltd.

With Vala's focus on women in this budget, Ahmedabad-based female entrepreneur, Ruzan Khambatta is not very happy.

“It seems Vaju Vala is targeting female voters this time. He has announced lots of schemes and benefits for women in this budget, which is good. However, the announcement of women's economic zone is of practical use. Technically, in such a zone, the only benefit we get is 'No men allowed in the zone'. There are no other benefits which would attract me to invest in it,” she said.

Similarly, consultant Nayan Parikh said, “It is a populist budget wherein the industry is forgotten. Vala has focused on infrastructure growth and women but there is nothing to cheer up the industry.”

Meanwhile, Rajesh Gandhi, MD of state-based ice cream maker, Vadilal Industries, is all smiles as the state government has reduced VAT rate for milk products.