The seventh budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has elicited varied responses from political figures in Udupi district, highlighting differing perspectives on its implications.
Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Udupi district’s in-charge minister and Minister for Women and Child Welfare, criticized the budget, calling it ‘biased’ and accusing the central government of showing favoritism towards certain states. She expressed disappointment with the budget’s neglect of Karnataka’s pending projects and its inadequate address of unemployment issues. Hebbalkar also voiced doubts about the efficacy of initiatives such as the Kisan Credit Card scheme.
In contrast, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna lauded the budget for its potential to drive transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Suvarna praised the budget for infusing new energy into India’s economy with significant allocations for women’s empowerment, education, employment, and skill development. He highlighted notable initiatives including the National Cooperative Policy, increased income tax limits, agricultural support, and rural development programs like Gram Sadak Yojana.
Similarly, Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA from Kaup, described the budget as positive, particularly for its provisions benefiting agriculture, education, and women.
These diverse viewpoints underscore the political spectrum’s interpretation of Budget 2024 and its anticipated impact on India’s development trajectory.