TFP Bureau, Raipur; July 23, 2024: The Union Budget 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has elicited mixed reactions from political leaders in Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the budget for its comprehensive approach to development, while the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee criticized it as directionless and disappointing.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the Union Budget as a “holistic budget” with vast developmental potential. He emphasized that this budget, the first of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term and the seventh by Finance Minister Sitharaman, ensures development for all sectors.
“The significant focus on agriculture and employment makes this budget historic,” said Sai, noting the allocation of ₹1.52 lakh crore for agriculture, which he believes will herald a new green revolution and prosperity for Chhattisgarh’s farmers. He highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Unnat Gram Abhiyan Yojana, which aims to benefit 5 crore tribal people in 63,000 villages, improving their socio-economic conditions.
Sai also pointed out provisions for youth employment and skill development, including internships for one crore youth and a ₹2 lakh crore scheme for skill development. The increase in the Mudra loan limit from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh will support young entrepreneurs in start-ups, creating new employment opportunities in Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister lauded the ₹2.66 lakh crore allocation for rural development, asserting that the Modi government’s commitment to the welfare of villages, the poor, farmers, and youth is evident in this budget. He believes it will be a milestone in realizing Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.
Congress’ Criticism
In stark contrast, the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee expressed disappointment with the budget, calling it directionless and without a roadmap. State Congress spokesperson Ajay Gangwani criticized the budget for failing to meet the hopes and expectations of the common people, including farmers, the poor, laborers, women, and youth.
Gangwani argued that despite the high levels of inflation, unemployment, and economic inequality, the budget did not introduce substantial public welfare schemes or employment generation plans. He pointed out that the budget did not increase the income tax exemption limit or provide significant benefits for home loans and health insurance premiums.
He also claimed that Chhattisgarh was ignored in the budget, with no new schemes or special packages allocated to the state, while other states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh received special attention. Gangwani suggested that the budget favored corporates and capitalists over the common people, and criticized the lack of guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers.
In summary, while Chief Minister Sai praised the budget for its comprehensive developmental approach, the Congress criticized it for being empty and failing to address the pressing issues facing the common people. These contrasting views highlight the political divide in the interpretation of the Union Budget 2024-25’s impact on development.
