In the fourth episode of ‘Budget 2025: What’s at Stake?’, prominent social activist, banking reform advocate Thomas Franco dissects the government’s claims of a banking ‘turnaround,’ as highlighted in the last Economic Survey. Are declining non-performing assets, rising bank profits and increased financial inclusion as promising as they seem?>
He also evaluates whether successive budgets have truly delivered on credit support for MSMEs, including MUDRA loans, during financial stress. Finally, Franco outlines what a credit-sensitive budget should prioritise, sharing key recommendations for strengthening the nation’s financial system.>
This series is a collaboration between the Centre for Financial Accountability and The Wire.>
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