New Delhi: Top Finance Ministry officials on January 6 held deliberations with leading industry chambers, including FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) and ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India), on their budget wish lists, despite Finance Minister Jaswant Singh's proposal to dispense with pre-budget meetings.

Delegations of various apex bodies and associations of trade, business and industry were understood to have submitted their pre-budget memoranda to the Finance Ministry when they separately met senior officials.

Industry representatives were believed to have sought effective measures to boost exports, step up investment and spur domestic demand during their meetings with Revenue Secretary C S Rao, Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and other top officials.

Significantly, Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj is also scheduled to lead a delegation of representatives from entertainment and print industry on January 10 to seek customs and excise duty concessions.

Seeking to do away with the practice started by Manmohan Singh of holding pre-budget meetings, Jaswant Singh favoured written comments from various groups.

Singh has said, "Written comments and views will be far more relevant and useful than holding meetings, which do not provide adequate time and opportunity to individuals to express their views in a focused and satisfactory manner."

During today's meetings, ASSOCHAM and FICCI sought measures to stimulate domestic demand and investment besides steps to boost exports.

ASSOCHAM spokesman said the chamber suggested greater transparency and better environment for manufacturing sector to compete globally.

PTI