Synopsis
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Union Budget, labeling it a political maneuver that undermines federalism and fails to address critical issues like inflation and unemployment. He expressed disappointment over the lack of support for essential sectors and specific state requests.Key Takeaways
- The Union Budget is viewed as a political document.
- It neglects vital sectors such as agriculture and industry.
- Disappointment over lack of financial support for Kerala's specific needs.
- Kerala's requests for higher support prices have been ignored.
- The budget exacerbates issues like inflation and unemployment.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 1 (NationPress) Criticizing the Union Budget, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described it as merely a political document that undermines federalism.
“This budget is a political document and is against federalism. It has been crafted with the upcoming Assembly elections in mind. This budget will exacerbate inflation, unemployment, and poverty,” stated the Chief Minister.
He noted that vital sectors such as agriculture and industry have not been treated with the seriousness they deserve, while the reduction of subsidies in the agricultural sector continues.
“The MGNREGA, which previously supported the poor and marginalized, has also been excluded from the budget,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister expressed that the budget has been a total disappointment for the state of Kerala.
“We had sought a special package of Rs 24,000 crore along with a specific package for the Wayanad landslide. Given the national significance of the Vizhinjam Port, we also requested assistance for it, but none of these requests have been acknowledged. The Union government has failed to provide anything for the long-awaited AIIMS centre, railway coach factory, and other similar initiatives,” he said.
The Chief Minister further pointed out that while Rs 25 lakh crores was allocated for states, Kerala did not even receive Rs 40,000 crores.
“Kerala is being penalized for its advancements in education and other areas. It is claimed that our state does not require further assistance as we are already excelling in many sectors. However, there are still fields where Kerala is falling short. Yet, we receive no support from the Union government to boost these sectors,” he added.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that Kerala has been advocating for increased minimum support prices for rubber, paddy, and coconut, but these appeals have not been addressed even as the import of rubber continues.
“Kerala has been grievously neglected in this budget, which we find unacceptable,” concluded Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
