This is with reference to the report “Kingdom committed to social welfare schemes” (Dec. 30). It is heartening to note that the Kingdom did not cut any major social welfare schemes in the budget for the next fiscal. It is correct that the recently announced budget is different from the previous ones, but keeping in view the current global and regional situation and the fall in oil prices in the international market, it was not unexpected. Despite many odds, Kingdom’s planners designed the budget in such a manner that its negative effect, if any, doesn’t trickle down to the masses. Gasoline prices may have been increased but they continue to remain one of the lowest in the world, which is very encouraging.

This was a realistic budget in every sense of the word, as it did not ignore the ground realities.