Bouquets and bricks for govt over health insurance to all in Budget

The Punjab Budget has evoked a mixed reaction from people of different sections. While some sections are happy with higher allocation for health and education, the new schemes like health insurance for all have got a mixed response.

Will strengthen economy

Sushant Sharma, MD, HR Industries and Foodcoast International, says, "The Budget will strengthen economy. The allocation of Rs 3,426 crore for the industrial sector is a positive step and the Rs 10 crore investment in a research and development centre and Institute of Auto Parts and Hand Tools Technology in Ludhiana is a welcome move for our sector. This initiative has the potential to enhance innovation, improve manufacturing standards and boost Punjab’s competitiveness in the global hand tools market. However, to accelerate industrial growth, there is a need for broader incentives, including easier access to credit, infrastructure development and skill enhancement programmes. The focus on agriculture and healthcare is crucial but industries, especially MSMEs, require more robust support to drive employment and economic expansion. I urge the government to work closely with industry leaders to implement policies that promote ease of doing business and global market access. A collaborative approach will ensure Punjab remains a thriving hub for manufacturing and food processing, contributing significantly to India's economic landscape."

More funds for education a good step

Advocate Meher Sachdev opines, "The allocation of more funds for colleges and universities is a good initiative. I also hail the move of the government to conduct its first drug census. It is a good move to assess the actual drug menace. However, a tendency of the state government to further raise loans is a bad sign for an already heavily debt-ridden Punjab. We cannot be taking a loan with one hand and doling out freebies with the other. Another good move in the Budget is the state health insurance plan and the fact that it shall be applicable to all residents of Punjab, irrespective of financial status. I am also convinced with the idea of Home Guards as the second defence deployment and installation of anti-drone installation".

No safety for women

Principal, KMV College, Dr Atima Sharma Dwivedi has reacted saying, "We welcome the enhanced budget allocation to education. This is the most significant area to bring back prosperity to the state and overcome socio-economic deprivation. However, women development and safety should have been given priority too, which seems missing.

Health insurance eyewash

Dr Navjot Dahiya, who has been the national vice-president of the Indian Medical Association, has said, "The 100 per cent coverage of health insurance to 65 lakh families seems more like eyewash. The status of this scheme would be like that of the government-aided schools and colleges. I can foresee multiple glitches in the implementation of the scheme. Already, the empanelled hospitals were not getting properly reimbursed. The sincerity of the government in implementation of the scheme would have to be watched".

No step to create jobs

Mangat Ram Pasla, a communist leader, said, "This Budget will in no way help people get rid of poverty. It does not in any way help over unemployment. There is nothing that will bring any relief to the unorganised labour, contractual employees, farmers and pensioners. Like every year, the AAP-led government has only brought disappointment."