Budget skips big projects for state, sparks Opposition criticism

Despite high expectations following the state elections in October 2024, the Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, failed to allocate any major projects to Haryana, leaving its wish list unmet.

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Hiked loan limits will benefit farmers

The increase in loan limits on the Kisan Credit Card, the prioritisation of 100 districts with low agricultural productivity under the Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the raised loan guarantee cover for MSMEs will greatly benefit farmers and small industries. — Nayab Singh Saini, Chief Minister

No roadmap for jobs for youth

There is no roadmap for jobs for the youth, no MSP guarantee for farmers and no concrete measures to address the concerns of the middle class. This Budget does not serve the needs of the people. — Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Former Chief Minister

However, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini hailed the Budget, asserting that it would boost the country's development.

"The increase in loan limits on the Kisan Credit Card, the prioritisation of 100 districts with low agricultural productivity under the Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the raised loan guarantee cover for MSMEs will greatly benefit farmers and small industries. Additionally, the Budget will empower women entrepreneurs and startups. The reforms in education and health sectors are historic," said CM Saini.

In contrast, former CM and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda dismissed the Budget, arguing that it had failed all sections of society.

"There is no roadmap for jobs for the youth, no MSP guarantee for farmers and no concrete measures to address the concerns of the middle class. This Budget does not serve the needs of the people," Hooda asserted.

This marks the second consecutive year that Haryana has not been allocated any major projects or schemes. This is despite the state electing a BJP government for the third term, deviating from previous electoral trends.

BJP leaders, however, defended the Budget, arguing that project allocations are based on necessity rather than regional considerations.

"Any scheme benefiting farmers, women, youth and the poor will naturally benefit Haryana as well. It would be unfair to say that Haryana has been ignored, especially since it is an agricultural state and the Budget has a special focus on farmer welfare," said a BJP leader. The leader also pointed out that income tax relief measures would benefit the general public, including Haryana's workforce.

During the pre-Budget meeting, the Haryana Government had sought special grants for key infrastructure projects, including Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, Delhi-Panipat Fast Rail Corridor and Multi-Logistics Hub in Mahendergarh (NCR).

However, these demands found no mention in the final Budget, leaving state officials and industry stakeholders disappointed.