New Delhi: Not only the opposition but some alliance partners of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also red-flagged the Union budget, saying they would have liked to see a focus on jobs and exports.
NDA members said the government needs to take more steps to revive the rural economy.
Senior leaders of the NDA also expressed misgivings over the tax deductions proposed in the budget. Livemint quoted an anonymous NDA leader as saying “The lowering of income tax rate given by the Union government is an attempt to make middle class and lower class happy. The announcement will help people spend more, but in the long run, it will bring down savings of people which is not a very good sign for the economy.”
NDA members felt that the government should focus on reviving small and medium enterprises since they generate employment and help increasing exports.
Naresh Gujral of the Shiromani Akali Dal was of the opinion that employment generation and increasing the purchasing power of people is the key because that is the expectation of the people. He added: “We would have also liked if the government had announced setting up of a disinvestment ministry that would look at public sector units which are bleeding our economy.”
Janata Dal (United) spokesperson K.C. Tyagi said that they were expecting more steps for the rural economy.
Saying it did not do enough to address the pressing problems faced by the economy opposition parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress, the Left and Aam Aadmi Party termed the budget as lacklustre.