Chandigarh 23 July (Harbans singh)
Senior Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu has expressed profound disappointment with the Modi Government 3.0 budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Sidhu highlighted several critical points; he stated that the budget offers no relief or hope for the farmers of Punjab. “There was no hope in the last ten years, and there is no hope now,” said Sidhu. He criticized the government for neglecting the needs of farmers and the agricultural sector, essential to Punjab’s economy and India’s food security.
Sidhu also pointed out the alarming rate of youth unemployment, questioning the government’s priorities. “What is the point of claiming to be the 5th largest economy when a large portion of our youth remains unemployed?” he asked. The budget, he argued, does not address the pressing issue of job creation or provide a clear roadmap for employment opportunities for the young population. In her seventh consecutive budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman has disappointed the middle class by reducing the tax slab, which Sidhu claims will further burden middle-class families. “This budget has put cold water on middle-class expectations by hampering their pockets,” he said, underscoring the financial strain that the new tax policies will impose on ordinary citizens.
Sidhu criticized the budget as being politically motivated, designed to secure the ruling NDA’s position rather than addressing the country’s needs. “This is a ‘kursi bachao budget’ (budget to save the chair). It is aimed at saving (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi’s position. It is a budget for the NDA, not for India,” he stated. According to Sidhu, the budget fails to provide a comprehensive plan for India’s development and progress over the next five years. Balbir Singh Sidhu urged the government to reconsider its priorities and focus on the genuine needs of the people, particularly the farmers, youth, and middle class. He called for a budget that promotes inclusive growth and ensures a better future for all Indians. In this way we attain the dream of Viksit Bharat, sidhu remarked.
