Pranab Mukherjee holds pre-budget parleys with Congress leaders

New Delhi, June 16 (ANI): Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee held pre-budget discussions with leaders of Congress party ahead of the budget for full fiscal year 2009/10 (April-March) that would be presented on July 6.

"As a party man I have an obligation to listen to the views of my party leaders. I have listened to them in two batches. One, the members of the parliament, - they gave me their viewpoint and the All India Congress Committee office bearers and leaders have given their views," Mukherjee said.

The Union Cabinet on Monday decided to hold the Budget session from July 2 to 7 while the General Budget will be presented on July 6.

It was also decided that the Economy Survey would be presented on July 2.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh presented an interim budget for the 2009/10 (April/March) in February ahead of the general elections in April and May.

In its five budgets since 2004, the Congress party-led coalition has raised spending on health, education and rural employment. (ANI)