MP opens debate on Finance Bill, seeks urban MNREGA

New Delhi, March 23

The Congress today opened a debate on the Finance Bill, 2021, in the Lok Sabha, accusing the government of offering tax relief only to the rich, while burdening the poor and demanded urban MNREGA.

Congress’ Fatehgarh Sahib MP Amar Singh urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to withdraw excise duties on petrol, diesel and customs duty hikes on nuts, bolts, electronic toys and rail projects.

He demanded urban MNREGA, withdrawal of farm laws and mapping of Covid-19 induced losses in the informal sector.

“If you have decided to punish the farmers, it is another matter. But you should withdraw the farm laws. Of the eight core sectors of economy, only agriculture grew during Covid times and you have cut agriculture budget,” Singh said.

He pointed to Rs 1.50 lakh crore of corporate tax waiver last year, asking why the government was not reducing fuel prices. The MP said 24 per cent of the Centre’s revenue was now coming from cess and surcharges and these revenues were not being shared with cash-strapped states. — TNS