Describing the Union Budget 2022-‘23 as disappointing, former President of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee Arjun Modhwadia likened it to cumin in the mouth of a camel. It was expected that important announcements would be made to push the stalled wheels of the economy, eliminate inflation and create employment opportunities but all these hopes have been dashed.’’
Arjun Modhwadia said that only the capitalists in the corporate sector have been given tax relief. Despite the historic GST revenue of Rs 1.40 lakh crore, the middle class has been hit hard by not getting any relief in income tax. The provision of MSP (Minimum Support Price) for farmers in the Budget and the expectations for increase in income have not been met. Also, the expectation of reduction in GST slab on essentials has not been met.”
Mr Modhwadia said that the next of kin of those who died of Corona were expecting compensation of Rs four lakh but that too has not been assured in the Budget. There is no increase in interest rates equal to the means of livelihood for the elderly. The state government have been provided only loans instead of assistance. No provision has been made for market demand or development of small-scale industries. Provisions have been made to make education more expensive by inviting foreign universities. He said that no announcement has been made to bring down prices, provide employment to the unemployed youth or provide relief to the poor or the middle class.
Gujarat Congress Acting President, Hardik Patel, said, “Clearly the budget has been built around false promises and huge assumptions. The government has betrayed everybody- the farmers, the poor and the middle class. Government has drastically cut basic support to all major social and financial security schemes be it MGNREGA, MSP, Fertilizer Subsidy or Food Subsidy. Jumla, Jumla and more Jumla… That is what is this budget is. Unfortunately, my beloved country has to bear this for some more time,’’ he said.
Congress Spokesperson, Manhar Patel said, “The reality of the BJP Government, which is misleading on development has been leaked in the budget. The budget of the BJP government for the year 2022-‘23 is increasing the pain of farmers, job seekers, youth, middle class and poor. Compared to the previous budget, the aid/subsidy was cut in this Budget It is also not a clear sign that the government is withdrawing from service activities like agriculture and health by making a slight increase in the Agriculture, Health and Farmers Honors Fund.”
