NEW DELHI - Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will begin pre-budget consultations with different groups from today.

Mukherjee will hold consultations with trade and industry bodies like the FICCI, the CII, the ASSOCHAM and the FIEO, economists, agriculturists, bankers and corporate honchos ahead of the presentation of the budget for 2009-10 in the first week of July.

The Finance Minister will also hold talks with corporate honchos like Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Kumarmangalam Birla and Sunil Bharti Mittal.

Earlier, Mukherjee had said the government will push for economic reform and is required to present the Union Budget within 45 days of coming to power.

“We will adhere to this schedule and propose to present the Budget in the first week of July. The regular budget 2009-10 exercises are underway in full swing,” he said.

Mukherjee said the government has the opportunity to present its vision and approach for the next five years in the forthcoming budget.

“Broadly, the election results have vindicated the strategy of “inclusive growth”. I have no hesitation in saying that alongwith reviving the momentum of growth and employment creation, our government will strengthen the various “inclusive” elements in the coming budget,” he added.

He further added that the Government would have to focus on implementing and strengthening its infrastructure investments.

“These concerns will be addressed with a view to impart further momentum for an early return to the high growth path of recent years,” he said. (ANI)