<div><strong>Mukund Mohan</strong>, Director, <strong>Microsoft Venture</strong>, talks to <strong>BW|Businessworld'</strong>s <strong>Sapna Bhardwaj </strong>on the expectations of accelartors from the first budget of the Modi government. Microsoft Ventures is a strategic partner for promising startups around the world focused on business growth & development, industrial strength technology and beautiful usable products. It owns and operates seven accelerators and three offices across the world today.<br /><br /><strong>What is your expectation from the forthcoming Union Budget 2014 of NDA?<br /></strong>There is a delicate balance between growth, supporting infrastructure and improving the structural finances of the country. I dont think there is any silver bullet yet, but I expect there will be more emphasis towards market growth - I would like to see a lot more public sector disinvestment. I would also think there will be full deregulation of diesel and LPG prices to reduce our debt. On the investment side, I expect an increase in transportation spending - roads, railways and airports. I think we are spending enough on education, but getting the returns, so I expect optimization, but not a significant investment. In specific areas I would like to see more done for safety and security of women.<br /><br /><strong><img width="200" vspace="3" hspace="3" height="300" align="right" src="/image/image_gallery?uuid=bb2a9f6a-b795-402f-9aff-84795bc7f67c&groupId=36166&t=1403608023702" alt="" />What is your expectation with regards to your sector?<br /></strong>If we can get a tax neutral position on angel investments that would be the best win. Right now, there is a disincentive to invest in early stage startups. The other major piece of legislation is to streamline the shutting down of companies and a speedier way to get new companies started. FDI in retail e-commerce will be debated and I dont think there will be any action.<br /><br /><strong>What is your view on inclusive growth?<br /></strong>When people say inclusive growth I am hoping they dont mean subsidies for one segment of the population. If there are targeted incentives towards certain industries and as much market reform as possible we will likely see more growth that is inclusive. Free market and a supply side bias will help more inclusive growth than just providing sops or schemes that benefit little work for little pay that dont build new growth avenues.<br /><br /><strong>How is infrastructure development possible without compromising environment?<br /></strong>I think we tend to use "tried and tested" mechanisms for growing infrastructure instead of thinking harder of ways to use our creative energy to make better choices. There are a lot of really smart people in India, who can come up with a more effective and innovative way to build our metros, roads, plants and buildings which have a lesser footprint on our environment. The challenge for them has always been they are not given either the time or the hearing. Instead we should encourage people responsible to build the national assets to reach out, actively engage and work with these creative folks. <br /> </div>
