No plan for rural jobs in Budget: RD Singh

RD Singh, head of Department of Economics at Barkatullah University, Bhopal, says Budget has nothing to improve the present economic condition.

In an interview with Shruti Tomar, RD Singh, head of Department of Economics at Barkatullah University, Bhopal, says Budget has nothing to improve the present economic condition. Excerpts:

What does union budget means to you?

The Budget is balanced but has nothing to improve the present economic condition, which is facing crises for the past few years.

What will be the impact of union budget on household budget?

There is no relief for middle class. Finance minister has not increased tax slab for payers while on the other side finance department has increased 0.5% cess.

Does the Budget reflect ‘achchhe din’?

How we can expect “achchhe din” with this Budget? The government presented Budget with a long-term vision. There is no plan to provide employment to rural people.

Do you find anything for industries and real estate?

The Budget has no component to increase the demand and without demand industries can’t be given a boost.

Drought is a major concern for farmers here. There is a need to bring more irrigation projects to MP but in the Budget there is a provision of Rs 17,000 crore for irrigation project, which is very little.