Union Budget elicits mixed reactions from people

Tribune News Service

Neha Saini

Amritsar, February 1

The interim Union Budget 2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today received mixed reactions from city residents and experts from different fields, some calling it a preview of realising the dream of 5 trillion economy, while others seeing nothing in it for the common man. With Lok Sabha elections around the corner, the Budget majorly sought to build upon the theme of “Modi’s guarantees” in the field of EV, food and agro, MGREGA and boost to MSME sector among its key takeaways. Here’s what residents from different walks of life have to say about it.

Abhilash Sethi, Investment Director, Omnivore

The government’s plan for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and the clarion call for Kartavya Kaal lay the foundation of the Budget. We are encouraged by the Budget’s focus on agriculture and food processing. The government’s plan to boost post-harvest investments and launch comprehensive programmes for oilseeds, dairy and aquaculture development aligns with our mission to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The creation of a corpus with focus on R&D with a 50 year interest-free loan is highly commendable and will provide a huge boost to research in the private sector and start-ups, contributing to the overall growth of India. Financial assistance for the procurement and aggregation of biomass was something that we were expecting and is a welcome move to support many new-age companies working in the circular economy sector.

Dr SS Chhina, Honorary Secretary, Educational Committee, Chief Khalsa Diwan

Being an election year, a lot was expected from this interim Budget for the common man. But no change in direct tax slabs, in spite of inflation, provides no relief. The Budget has no direction to check inflation or promote employment, either in agriculture or in industry. The Budget is only a statement of previous accomplishments and new proposals. A major part of the Budget is just future plans and nothing is clear regarding creation of jobs or putting a check on the rising cost of living.

RS Sachdeva, Chair, Punjab State Chapter, PHD Chamber

Budget is progressive for the country. The government has tried to take care of all sections of society. To encourage research and innovation in industry, a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore will be established for a 50 year period, it will help Indian industry to compete in the global market while encouraging the tourism sector. States will be supported to undertake development of iconic tourist centres, it will provide indirect employment to youth. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has proved to be a game-changer in industry and the government has made provisions for another Rs 6,200 crore under the PLI scheme. The extension of PM Awas Yojana for the middle class living in rented houses or slums or unauthorised colonies will give boost to housing and infrastructure sector.

Praneet Bubber, Architect and Founder, Phulkari

The free vaccination for cervical cancer for girls aged 9 to 14 will undoubtedly make a significant impact on Phulkari’s Conquer Cancer campaign and six years of hard work, with awareness efforts reaching 4.7 lakh people across 95 campaigns. It’s a positive step toward preventive healthcare, and I’m optimistic about the positive outcomes it will bring.

Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, Senior BJP leader

The Union interim Budget is development oriented that will induce growth, especially in the fields of renewable energy and tourism. All sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, health, education and defence have been taken care of and adequate allocations have been made. The Modi government has primarily focused on women, ‘Nari Shakti’, and general development as part of its Viksit Bharat aim. The pro-poor policies, IT sector, digital services and industries in general have been happy with the Budget and so were the farmers. Further, strengthening the rail network, free solar power for one crore families, houses for the poor and subsidies to farmers pursuing animal husbandry, fisheries and green technology in agro industry are the other major steps taken in the Budget.

Priyanka Goel, Conquer Cancer programme head and member, Phulkari

The government facilitating the cervical cancer vaccination of young girls is a step in the right direction, to eradicate cervical cancer from the country. Till now, the focus was on awareness and now the energy must be directed to get the vaccination done. We have been working at the ground level for the cause for the last seven years now.

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