Budget 2020 evokes mixed reactions from parties in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Parties in Odisha have given mixed reactions to the Union Budget 2020 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament today.

While the Congress termed the Union Budget as ‘anti-people’, BJP leaders said the budget will take the country’s economic growth to next level.

“The Budget 2020 is an anti-people budget. It is full of rhetoric and lacks the depth required to tackle farm crisis, unemployment and the worrying state of healthcare. In the last six years, BJP has made life miserable for all,” said Niranjan Patnaik.

Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka, while welcoming the tax relief to be given to taxpayers, said that it is unfortunate that not a single site from Odisha has been included in the five archaeological sites proposed to be developed as iconic sites.

In his reaction, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the Budget 2020 is a revolutionary budget.

“Through long-term schemes, this budget will bring economic independence for backward and poor people. Fish production will be doubled in Odisha through the blue economy. Apart from this, ‘Sagarmitra’ will be beneficial for Odia youth,” said Dharmendra.

All the panchayats in the country will be connected through Bharat Net and this will be helpful for people deprived of government schemes.

Due to increase in forest cover, the Odisha government will get additional financial aid, the Union Minister added.

Expecting that the proposals announced by the Union Finance Minister in Budget 2020 will benefit Odisha in a bigger way, Leader of Opposition Pradipta Naik said, “The Budget 2020 will take the economic growth to a new high. More than Rs 3 lakh crore have been allocated for piped water system in rural areas due to which Odisha will be benefitted. With the budgetary allocation for establishment of hospitals in every district and pucca ghar, the State will see new kind of development. This budget has brought cheers among people from all walks of life across the country.”