Welcome focus on job creation

It is commendable that the first Budget of the newly formed government is a step towards addressing widespread unemployment in the country. Proposing a Rs 2 lakh crore package for job creation over the next five years and allocating Rs 2.66 lakh crore for rural programmes are welcome. The focus on employment, skilling, small businesses and the middle class will help revive the economy. The tax changes, including a higher levy on equity investments and lower taxes for foreign firms, will also boost investment. However, implementing land and labour reforms will be crucial to sustaining strong economic growth. Amid an urban unemployment rate of 6.7 per cent, the Budget comes as a relief.

Amanjot Kaur, by mail

A boost for employment

The Indian economy has long been beset with unemployment. The problem was compounded by demonetisation and the Covid-19 pandemic. The government’s emphasis on employment and employability is well illustrated by the significant allocation in the Budget to education, skilling and employment as well as special employment-linked incentive schemes for employees and employers. The Budget’s special focus on skilling two million young people over the next five years through a Centrally sponsored scheme will go a long way towards checking unemployment.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Transformative step for farming

The 2024-25 Budget marks a transformative step towards sustainable agriculture and improved farmer income. The plan to engage one crore farmers in natural farming, supported by 10,000 bio-input resource centres, is laudable. This initiative, along with the promotion of Farmer Producer Organisations, cooperatives and startups, is aimed at enhancing vegetable production and streamlining supply chains, ensuring better prices and reduced post-harvest losses. Moreover, introducing 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties will help address climate challenges and stabilise production. The move to reduce dependence on imported edible oils by boosting domestic cultivation is also significant. Digital Public Infrastructure promises to revolutionise agriculture. However, the success of these initiatives heavily depends on effective implementation. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for achieving the Budget’s ambitious vision.

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

Unfair allocation due to politics

With reference to the front-page news report ‘Bihar, AP get lion’s share; “bribe,” says Oppn’; the Opposition is right to call out the largesse being showered on Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. It is unfortunate that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has failed to consider any of Punjab’s demands. It shows that stepmotherly treatment is being meted out to the AAP-led state. The allocation of funds in the Budget to the states, regardless of politics, must be fair. If the Centre wants India to progress, it must not let politics affect the development goals.

Faqir Singh, Dasuya

‘Lotus’ likely to be next POTUS

Apropos of the report ‘Kamala makes presidential campaign debut in Wisconsin’; Kamala Harris has already secured the support of a majority of Democratic delegates — which will help her clinch the presidential nomination — even though it has just been a couple of days since President Joe Biden abandoned his re-election bid. She has even won the endorsement of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Clintons. President Biden has also expressed support for her candidacy. She has proved her mettle as the Vice-President. So, it is safe to say that Kamala, who has finally entered the campaign mode, will win the presidential race.

Vijaya Sharma, by mail

Trump has clear path to victory

Refer to the article ‘Biden out, but Trump may still win’; the author has rightly observed that Donald Trump has made much political capital out of the failed attempt on his life during a recent Pennsylvania rally. In another victory for Trump, a Florida judge dismissed the US Justice Department’s classified documents case against the former President just days after the gunman had tried to take his life. Trump’s path to victory in November is clear. He enjoys high popularity in the Republican voter base, especially among White people.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

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