Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the Union Budget 2024, branding it a “Kursi Bachao” (save your chair) Budget. He alleged that the government made empty promises to its allies at the expense of other states. Gandhi further contended that the Budget appeased cronies without offering relief to ordinary Indians, asserting it was merely a copy-paste of the Congress’s previous Budget.
Chidambaram’s Remarks
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram also took a dig at the government, suggesting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman might have borrowed ideas from the Congress’s 2024 manifesto. Chidambaram said, “I am glad to know that the Hon’ble FM has read the Congress Manifesto LS 2024 after the election results. I am happy she has virtually adopted the Employment-linked incentive (ELI) outlined on page 30 of the Congress Manifesto.” He further expressed that while he was pleased with the adoption of the apprenticeship scheme, he wished the finance minister had copied more ideas from the Congress Manifesto.
Critique on Internship Program
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh echoed Chidambaram’s sentiments, saying that Sitharaman had taken a leaf out of the Congress manifesto by announcing an internship program. He criticized the scheme for its arbitrary targets and lack of a programmatic guarantee. “The scheme has been designed to grab headlines, with arbitrary targets (1 crore internships) rather than a programmatic guarantee for all diploma holders and graduates, like the Indian National Congress had envisioned,” Ramesh said.
Nitish Kumar’s Response
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar responded cryptically to the Centre’s denial of special category status to the state. When pressed by journalists at the Bihar Assembly, he remarked, “You will gradually come to know everything.” Kumar’s JD(U) party is a key ally of the ruling NDA at the Centre, and his response hinted at underlying tensions regarding the Centre’s stance on Bihar’s demands.
Special Package for Andhra Pradesh
Ramesh also criticized the special package announced for Andhra Pradesh. Sitharaman announced a special package of Rs 15,000 crore for the state, aimed at developing Amaravati, the state’s capital city. Ramesh questioned the delay in the announcement, noting that the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 had already committed to such support. “Why has it taken 10 years to announce that what was already committed to in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 will be implemented?” he asked.
Budget Announcements
In her Budget address, Sitharaman announced that the government will provide a month’s wage to all employees entering the workforce in all formal sectors. The direct benefit transfer of one month’s salary in three instalments to first-time employees registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will be up to Rs 15,000. The eligibility limit for this scheme will be Rs 1 lakh per month, potentially benefiting 210 lakh youth in the country.
The Union Budget 2024 has sparked significant debate, with Congress leaders criticizing it as a collection of borrowed ideas and empty promises. The government’s focus on employment-linked incentives and special packages has been met with skepticism and calls for more substantial and timely action.
(With inputs from agencies)
