TFP Bureau, New Delhi, February 1, 2024: As the interim budget for 2024-25 was presented in Parliament, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai expressed optimism, highlighting its commitment to overall development. However, members of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee, including Ajay Gangwani and Surendra Sharma, criticized the budget, labeling it as deceptive and lacking direction.
Chief Minister’s Perspective:
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai lauded the budget as a significant step toward achieving Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a fully developed India by 2047. Emphasizing the focus on the poor, women, youth, and farmers, he commended the budget for lifting 25 crore people out of multi-housed poverty in the last decade. Shri Sai also highlighted the creation of employment-oriented work training for 1 crore 40 lakh youth, contributing to a 50 percent increase in average real income.
The Chief Minister underscored the historic nature of the budget, projecting it to boost the country’s economy and promote inclusive development. Special initiatives for backward classes, infrastructure development, and social justice were noted. Shri Sai particularly appreciated the interest-free loan of Rs 75,000 crore proposed for state development and the target to create two crore lakhpati sisters through the Lakhpati Didi Yojana.
He pointed out key provisions, including the construction of 2 crore new houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, multiple electricity initiatives, and an expansion of the Matsya Sampada Yojana. Shri Sai concluded by stating that the budget aligns with the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ and sets the stage for India’s development.
Congress Committee’s Critique:
In contrast, members of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee, including Ajay Gangwani and Surendra Sharma, criticized the Union Budget, accusing the Modi government of deceiving the public. They expressed disappointment with the lack of benefits for farmers, youth, and women, labeling the budget as directionless and without a roadmap.
Ajay Gangwani highlighted the absence of relief in petrol and diesel prices despite a reduction in international crude oil prices. He criticized the reduction in public welfare scheme budgets and claimed that the government prioritizes capitalist interests over those of the common people.
Surendra Sharma echoed these sentiments, stating that the budget fails to address the concerns of the MSME sector and lacks provisions for the youth and farmers. He criticized the government’s economic policies, citing a CAG report that revealed underspending in major departments.
The Congress Committee members concluded that the budget does not contribute to poverty alleviation, inflation control, or reducing the wealth gap. They characterized the government’s focus as favoring the wealthy, leaving the majority in darkness.
In summary, while the Chief Minister praised the budget’s development focus, the Congress Committee expressed dissatisfaction, accusing the Modi government of neglecting the interests of the common people.
