The Forum of Free Enterprise is a non-political organization founded in 1956 by A. D. Shroff, and has been established to educate public opinion in India on free enterprise and a democratic way of life. The Forum publishes booklets to further its objects. The following booklet titled ‘The Union Budget 1980-81’ is authored by N.A. Palkhivala and published in 1980. The author argues that as the budget comes in times of economic distress, it should get over the limit of safety. He criticises the government for borrowing from people at a low rate of interest, poor incentives for industry and exports, and disproportion between productive and unproductive jobs. He appreciated the allocation given to agriculture and rural development along with income tax exemption. He evaluates the premise of abolishing tax on agricultural property. He feels that chronic tinkering with law and inflation which are the two problems faced by the economy is not addressed in the budget. He attacks fiscal arbitrariness and changing the financial laws time and again. He recommends partnership between the public and government by organizing open consultations.