Amidst farmers’ protest against the new farm laws, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said there is absolutely nothing in this budget for the poor, the unemployed and farmers.
Calling out the Union Budget’s lack of concern for the poor, Sisodia said, “It is well accepted that boosting demand by focusing spending directly on the poor is going to be critical for revival of the economy. But there is absolutely nothing in this Budget for poor, the unemployed and farmers. Outlays of several major schemes for the poor and unemployed have been reduced – NREGA reduced by Rs 38,000 Crore, Social welfare schemes reduced by Rs 5000 Cr and even P M Kisan scheme allocation is reduced by Rs 10,000 Crore.”
Sisodia added, “At a time when there is an unprecedented farmer agitation and farm crisis all over the country, the Agriculture Ministry’s budget has been reduced from Rs 1.55 lakh crores to Rs 1.48 lakh crores – a reduction by Rs 7000 Cr. A time when unemployment is at the highest, the budget for Jobs and Skills Ministry has also been reduced from Rs 5400 Cr to 3500 Cr – a reduction of 35percent. This shows the government is completely apathetic towards the pain of the jobless.”