<h1>India's Finance Minister Consults Economists on Budget: Focus on Fiscal Consolidation, Tax Reforms, and Infrastructure Investment.</h1> The Finance Minister of India held a pre-budget consultation meeting with leading economists to gather suggestions for the upcoming budget. Economists emphasized the need for the budget to restore investor confidence in India's growth and suggested it should focus on fiscal consolidation and reducing populist expenditure. Recommendations included decontrolling diesel prices, increasing excise duty on diesel cars, and implementing direct cash transfers for subsidies. They also proposed clearing stalled mega projects, amending the APMC Act, and increasing investment in health, education, and infrastructure. Other suggestions included tax reforms, environmental incentives, and focusing on development in the northeast regions.