Highlights of Chidambaram's interim budget

-- A ‘Research Funding Organisation' will  be set up to fund Research Projects selected through a competitive process. Contributions to that organisation will be eligible for tax benefits.  

--Forward Contracts (Regulation) Act- FCRA shall be amended to strengthen  regulatory framework of the commodity derivatives market. 

-- AMoratorium period for all education loans taken-up to 31.3.2009 and outstanding on 31.12.2013 has been announced. Government will take over the liability for outstanding interest as on 31.12.2013, but the borrower would have to pay interest for the period after 1.1.2014. Nearly 9 lakh students borrowers will benefit to the tune of approximately Rs2,600 crore.

-- Rs 11,200 crore provided for capital infusion in Public Sector Banks(PSB's). .