India

New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking direction to declare unconstitutional laws primarily “targeting men” and “unfairly presuming men as aggressors in domestic disputes”.

As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and K. Vinod Chandran will hear the matter on February 3. The petition seeks direction to declare Sections 2, 3, 4 and 8A of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, S. 498A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and its equivalent in the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, S. 2 and 3 of the Protection of Women from Domestic violence Act 2005, and S. 12(1)(c) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 as unconstitutional and invalid for violating fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution and India's international human rights obligations.

“The impugned provisions primarily target men, allowing allegations to be treated as proof of guilt and creating a framework of presumed culpability that contravenes the fundamental principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’,” said the petition filed through advocate Pankaj Sharma. These laws unfairly presume men as aggressors in domestic disputes, thereby violating the right to a fair trial, it added.

“Dowry is misrepresented as a practice inherent to Hinduism, despite historical evidence of its origin in Roman, Greek, and Christian traditions. Hindu religious texts do not advocate for dowry practices; thus, laws that target Hindus in this context are arbitrary, discriminatory, and violative of Article 15, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion,” further said the petition.

The plea said that the imposition of dowry laws upon Hindus and the exclusion of Muslims reveal an arbitrary cultural misrepresentation, attempting to propagate an inaccurate stereotype. As per the petition, Section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, by linking dowry with Hindu marriage practices, insinuates a false narrative that disparages the Hindu culture by artificially creating an association that has no factual or historical basis.

Similarly, it said that Sections 3 and 4 of the said Act also insinuates surreptitiously that the vice of dowry is committed and goes to the extent of strengthening the concept of dowry by penalising Hindu men on mere presumption of dowry demand, or the presumption of taking or abetting the taking of dowry.

“Section 8A of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, imposes a burden of proof of innocence upon the accused, contravening the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty, a principle that forms the bedrock of natural justice,” it added.

The petition said that under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, women is presumed to be “aggrieved persons” based on their allegations, and automatically categorises men as “respondents.”

“The dowry laws and Section 498A of the IPC are misused as tools for harassment and extortion, especially against men and their families. These laws reflect a presumption of guilt, thereby denying men their right to a fair trial,” contended the petition.

Such weaponisation also reveals the malice embedded in these laws, promoting injustice rather than fairness, which violates Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, it added.

Placing an implicit presumption of guilt upon men while presuming women as victims, disregarding individual circumstances or evidence, represents discrimination based on sex, infringing upon Article 15 of the Constitution and perpetuating societal bias, said the plea.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, Feb 1 (IANS) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao criticised the Union Budget 2025-26, alleging that the BJP and the Congress have failed Telangana.

Demanding an apology from the BJP and the Congress for neglecting the state, he said that it has once again been proved that national parties cannot safeguard Telangana's interests.

He said Telangana's BJP ministers, Congress MPs, and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy should apologise for their inability to secure funds for the state.

K.T. Rama Rao, popularly known as KTR, pointed out that despite Telangana sending 16 MPs -- eight each from BJP and Congress -- to the Parliament, the state has received "absolutely nothing" from the Budget.

He alleged that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, instead of protecting Telangana’s interests, had been making secret deals with the BJP, leading to the state's neglect in Central allocations.

The BRS working president criticised the BJP-led Central government for prioritising BJP-ruled states in budget allocations while sidelining Telangana.

He highlighted that BJP MPs from other states have secured substantial funds for their regions, whereas Telangana's BJP MPs and ministers have been ineffective and powerless.

"BJP's 'double-engine' government claim has been exposed as a farce. Despite having eight BJP MPs and two union ministers from Telangana, the state has not received a single rupee," KTR said.

The BRS leader also accused Revanth Reddy of visiting Delhi multiple times, not to secure funds for Telangana but to serve political interests. He claimed that despite Telangana electing eight Congress MPs, they failed to bring any allocations to the state. He further alleged that the Congress has never effectively raised Telangana’s concerns in Parliament.

He criticised the Central government for ignoring Telangana in critical areas like higher education institutions (IIT, IIM, IISER, NID, IIIT) and failing to fulfill commitments made in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, such as setting up the Bayyaram Steel Plant and granting national status to irrigation projects.

KTR believes that the people of Telangana have realised the importance of regional parties in securing state rights, citing Bihar and Andhra Pradesh as examples where regional parties have gained prominence in the budget.

He accused the BJP of deceiving Telangana while favoring poll-bound Bihar with major budgetary incentives.

He asserted that the BJP’s neglect of South Indian states, despite their significant contribution to the national exchequer, is against the spirit of federalism.

"The Central government's discriminatory approach towards Telangana has once again been exposed in this budget," he added.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Feb 1 (IANS) Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday termed the Union Budget as "reform, perform, transform! A budget for Viksit Bharat", adding that this Budget sets the foundation for a "future-ready Bharat, ensuring inclusive growth, economic prosperity, and new opportunities".

He said, "Congratulations to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on presenting her eighth successive Budget under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, driving growth, innovation, and empowerment across all sectors!"

Vijayendra added: " As much as Rs 5 lakh Kisan Credit Card Limit and Mission for Pulses –- Empowering Karnataka's farmers with increased credit access and enhanced productivity; Zero Tax up to Rs 12 Lakh -- A historic relief for the middle class, boosting savings and investments."

" As much as Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Fund and UDAN Expansion -- Transforming Karnataka's cities and enhancing connectivity. MSME and Start-up Boost -- Easier access to credit, encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation. Jal Jeevan Mission Extension -- Ensuring clean drinking water reaches every household," Vijayendra said while hailing the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

"The Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Sitharaman has given a surprise gift to the middle class, increasing their savings. It is a Budget that maintains balance in both economic and social sectors," said former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai.

Speaking to the media after the Union Budget presentation on Saturday, Bommai added that this is a development-oriented Budget that will lead India towards the vision of a developed nation by 2047.

It maintains economic and social balance and aligns with PM Modi's dream of self-reliance, the former Chief Minister said.

"This Budget boosts the expectations of the middle class and increases their savings. It is truly a surprise gift for them. Many expected a tax exemption limit of Rs 10 lakh, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have given a surprise gift by increasing the exemption limit to Rs 12 lakh," Bommai added.

He said the Union Budget maintains economic and social balance, giving priority to the poor, farmers, women, youth, and SC/ST communities.

"It provides vast opportunities for working individuals. Special emphasis has been given to research and indigenous technology, particularly in agriculture, making it self-reliant. Steps have been taken to ensure self-sufficiency in urea, fertilisers, and seed production."

"The Budget promotes self-employment in rural areas and aims to reduce rural-to-urban migration. Substantial investments have been allocated for railway and road infrastructure. Health and education sectors have been prioritised, with a special focus on cancer prevention in healthcare," he said.

The BJP MP said the Union government has announced an interest-free loan of Rs 1.5 lakh crore for states for 50 years, from which Karnataka is likely to receive Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 crore.

"This is a development-oriented Budget, and by 2025-26, GDP growth is expected to reach 7-8 per cent. Taxation has been significantly simplified, including customs reforms. Special emphasis has been given to cancer treatment, electronics, medical sciences, and emerging technologies, making this a highly progressive budget," he added.

Addressing the media at the party headquarters in Bengaluru on Friday, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, said that the Union Budget has brought joy to the people of the country.

He highlighted that Rs 20,000 crore has been allocated for Scheduled Caste industrialists who want to set up industries and start-ups.

This announcement was unprecedented, and the youth belonging to Scheduled Castes were overjoyed, he emphasised.

"Anganwadi workers are protesting every day. For these women, providing nutritious food has been given prominence. About 6,000 additional seats have been added in elite education institutions for students. Additionally, 10,000 medical seats have been increased, with significant attention given to this," Narayanaswamy said.

"Especially for the middle class and salaried classes, earlier there was no tax for annual incomes up to Rs 7 lakh. No one expected the announcement that there would be no tax for annual incomes up to Rs 12 lakh. This includes journalists and middle-class individuals who earn Rs 1 lakh per month, and they have received significant relief," he added.

"For those who earn Rs 18 lakh annually, a tax concession of Rs 70,000 has been provided. For those earning Rs 20 lakh, a concession of Rs 1.20 lakh is offered. Those earning above Rs 25 lakh per annum will be subject to a 30 per cent tax rate. This means the backward classes, middle class, and Scheduled Castes have been well-balanced, and a foundation has been laid for Atmanirbhar Bharat," he said.

"This will help the country become the fourth-largest economy and eventually a developed nation. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has put in significant efforts toward this goal. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented a Budget that is agreeable to all," he added.

However, he acknowledged that criticism from the Congress was inevitable.

"They have no other agenda. Before the presentation of the Budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said it would not be a good budget. Mr. CM, the budget is more than good. Refrain from mockery. You may spread lies, but the truth will stand," he said.

"You (Siddaramaiah) and your party's leader, Sonia Gandhi, addressed President Droupadi Murmu as the 'poor lady'. How can anyone address the Indian President in such a manner? You also addressed her inappropriately. One should not stoop to such levels and should accept the truth," Narayanaswamy added.

When asked about allocations to the state of Karnataka, he said that he had not yet received the full details, but once he had all the information, he would address the media.

"In all districts, cancer centres will be opened, and they will operate as day-care centres. Until now, such facilities did not exist. This will be of great help to people and families affected by cancer. This is not final; we can raise the demand even after the Budget is presented," he added.

State BJP Mahila Morcha President K. Manjula said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the upcoming Budget will bring 'Mahalaxmi Krupa' to the middle class and poor sections. It is a matter of pride that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, being a woman, has presented the Budget eight times. Prime Minister Modi has given her this opportunity. As the President of the Karnataka Mahila Morcha, I congratulate her. The tax exemption up to Rs 12 lakh will greatly benefit working women, and we thank her for it."

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) In wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Saturday that the country’s domestic defence production has reached Rs 1.27 lakh crore.

“In FY 2023-24, India's domestic defence production reached Rs 1.27 lakh crore, marking a record high, with an impressive increase of approximately 174 per cent from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that the country’s defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation since 2014, evolving from a largely import-dependent military force to one increasingly focused on self-reliance and indigenous production.

“The country’s defence budget, which stood at Rs 2,53,346 crore in 2013-14, has seen a significant rise, reaching Rs 6,21,940.85 crore in 2024-25, reflecting a clear commitment to strengthening the nation’s defence capabilities,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that central to this transformation is the growth of India’s defence manufacturing industry, which has become an integral part of the economy.

“Through the ‘Make in India’ initiative and policy reforms, the government has actively promoted domestic production and reduced reliance on foreign procurement,” the ministry said.

It added that this shift has been a key component of India’s broader vision of achieving Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence, positioning the nation as an emerging hub for the production of advanced military technologies and equipment.

The ministry said that India is on track to achieve a target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore in defence production in the current fiscal year.

“India aims to reach Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029, further establishing itself as a global defence manufacturing hub while the defence exports have surged from Rs 1941 crore in FY 2014-15 to Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting a remarkable increase in export value,” it said.

The ministry added that a 32.5 per cent growth in defence exports was recorded over the previous fiscal year 2022-23, rising from Rs 15,920 crore.

“Defence exports have grown 21 times, from Rs 4,312 crore in the 2004-14 decade to Rs 88,319 crore in the 2014-24 decade, highlighting India’s expanding role in the global defence sector,” the ministry said.

The ministry said that driven by government policy reforms, ease of doing business initiatives, and a push for self-reliance, India now exports to over 100 nations.

“The top three destinations for India's defence exports in 2023-24 were the U.S., France, and Armenia. The target for 2029 is to increase defence exports to ₹50,000 crore,” it said.

The ministry said that India’s export portfolio includes advanced equipment such as bulletproof jackets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, and lightweight torpedoes.

“A significant milestone was the inclusion of 'Made in Bihar' boots in the Russian Army’s equipment, highlighting India's high manufacturing standards in the global defence market,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that with a record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in defence production and exports reaching Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, India has demonstrated its commitment to reducing dependency on imports while strengthening its presence in the global market.

“As the nation aims for Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029, these achievements highlight India's emergence as a reliable defence partner worldwide,” the ministry added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) The government’s announcement, in the Union Budget 2025-26, to add 10,000 seats next year and 75,000 seats in the next five years heralds a significant boost to India’s healthcare sector and will boost the doctor-patient ratio in the country, said public health experts on Saturday.

The Union Budget was tabled in the Parliament today by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Presenting her eighth consecutive budget and the NDA government's second full Union Budget of its third term, Sitharaman said that India has seen remarkable growth in medical education in the last 10 years.

“The decision to add 10,000 seats per year -- an increase of nearly 5 per cent of the current capacity -- will help improve the doctor-patient ratio and make both secondary and tertiary care more accessible and affordable. Every additional seat also translates to the addition of four beds to the medical college and hospital. In five years, this initiative would add 300,000 more beds, nearly one-third of the current capacity in the public sector,” said Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Partner Strategy and Transactions, Govt Advisory Services, EY India.

The government may consider expanding existing medical colleges wherever possible to optimize expenditure. The plan to add about 200 day care cancer centres in all district hospitals this year, “will strengthen cancer care infrastructure, reducing mortality rates and improving patient outcomes. The impact would be even greater if screening infrastructure is strengthened and care pathways are well-defined,” Sundaram said.

“The government would do well to reskill the hospital teams to run the daycare cancer centres. We also hope that the budget would pave the way for the affordability of robotic surgery,” Mahendra Bhandari, CEO of the Vattikuti Foundation, a champion of robotic surgery.

“Adding 75,000 medical college seats over the next five years will place much-needed emphasis on producing medical graduates who have access to advanced, new-age tools and have demonstrated mastery in the use of AI and other novel techniques that transcend traditional approaches to deliver better patient outcomes,” he added.

The Finance Minister also announced exemptions on basic customs duty on 36 lifesaving drugs, providing relief to patients, particularly those suffering from cancer, rare diseases, and other severe chronic diseases.

This is especially a boon considering that India ranks third in cancer cases worldwide, after China and the USA, according to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN). In addition, the budget for Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 (Rs 21,960 crore) increased by 9 per cent from last year’s Rs 20,071 crore.

“This reflects the government's growing recognition of the importance of early childhood nutrition and the first 1,000 days of a child's development,” said Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation of India while also welcoming the Union Budget’s focus on youth and skilling for India's demographic dividend.

“The 117 per cent increase in Mission Shakti’s allocation to Rs 3,150 crore -- which funds Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, One Stop Centres, and women’s safety initiatives -- is commendable,” the expert said.

However, while financial outlays for economic support have increased, critical health investments for women remain grossly inadequate, she said, calling for effective implementation and monitoring of these schemes.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar praised the Union Budget on Saturday, calling it a road map to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'.

He described it as forward-looking, employment-centric, and growth-oriented.

Taking to X, Jaishankar congratulated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a Budget that builds upon a decade of structural reforms and transformative progress.

Labelling it as a "Viksit Bharat Budget 2025," EAM Jaishankar said that the Budget "recognises the energies and contribution of the middle class to nation-building."

"It reaffirms our steadfast resolve to the welfare of 'Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata and Nari'," he added.

Jaishankar highlighted the Budget's focus on agriculture, MSMEs, investment, and exports, calling it a crucial step towards strengthening India's self-reliance and global engagement.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister and BJP National President J.P. Nadda also lauded the Budget, calling it a "visionary road map" aligned with PM Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'.

"By focussing on the four engines -- Agriculture, MSME, Investment, and Export, Viksit Bharat Budget 2025 will drive the aspirations of Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata and Nari, ensuring that no one is left behind on the road to progress," Nadda posted on X, expressing gratitude to PM Modi and FM Sitharaman for the inclusive and growth-driven Budget.

Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, calling the Budget a "blueprint for making a Viksit and Shreshtha Bharat" in every sector.

"This budget, which covers every sector - from farmers, the poor, middle class, women and children's education, nutrition and health to startups, innovation and investment - is the road map for PM Modi's self-reliant India," he posted on social media.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Budget's "all-inclusive approach," and congratulated the Finance Minister for presenting an "excellent and epoch-making budget," aligning with PM Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat.

"This budget has taken an all-inclusive approach; from empowering poor sections of our society, to farmers to MSMEs to industries, and is also strengthening research in advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence," he posted on social media.

He welcomed the decision to provide income tax relief for annual incomes up to Rs 12 lakh and lauded the increased Defence allocation of Rs 6.81 lakh crore for FY 2025-26. He highlighted that the Rs 1.8 lakh crore capital outlay for Defence forces would enhance modernisation and technological advancements.

"I am confident that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this budget will further strengthen security and ensure the prosperity of the country and take a big leap in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat," he added.

--IANS

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Patna, Feb 1 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday described Union Budget 2025 as "positive and progressive" while expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a Budget that he believes will accelerate the country's development.

"The Union Budget takes many steps in the interest of the poor, youth, and farmers of the country. I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a commendable budget," the Bihar Chief Minister said.

Nitish Kumar highlighted several key announcements in the Budget that are poised to benefit Bihar.

"The Finance Minister has announced the establishment of a Makhana Board that aims to enhance the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana, providing significant advantages to local farmers. The proposal to develop greenfield airports in Bihar is expected to meet the state's future aviation needs, increase international flights, and stimulate economic growth. The announcements made by the Union Finance Minister will boost the economy and infrastructure of Bihar," Nitish Kumar said.

He pointed out that financial assistance for the Western Kosi Canal project in the Mithilanchal region will benefit farmers by improving irrigation of over 50,000 hectares of land.

The Union Budget also includes provisions for expanding IIT Patna, which will bolster technical education in the state.

"The establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar is set to provide skills, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities to the youth while promoting food processing activities in eastern India," Nitish Kumar said.

Additionally, Nitish Kumar praised measures such as increasing the income tax exemption limit to Rs 12 lakh, offering relief to the middle class; raising the Kisan Credit Card loan limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, benefiting farmers; and enhancing the MSME credit guarantee cover from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore, which is anticipated to boost employment opportunities.

--IANS

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Amaravati, Feb 1 (IANS) Leaders in the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have hailed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for quoting Telugu poet Gurajada Apparao during her Budget speech on Saturday.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu said that the Finance Minister quoting Gurajada Apparao is a matter of pride for Telugu people.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader said Sitharaman quoted Apparao's famous lines 'Deshamante Matti Kaadu, Deshamante Manshulu' (A country is made up of people, not just soil).

FM Sitharaman quoted the Telugu poet while speaking about the government's plan for the next five years.

"The great Telugu poet and playwright Gurajada Apparao has said "Deshamante Matti Kaadu, Deshamante Manshulu" meaning a country is not just its soil, a country is its people.

"In line with this, for us, Viksit Bharat encompasses zero poverty, 100 per cent quality, good school education, access to high-quality affordable and comprehensive healthcare, 100 per cent skilled labour with meaningful employment, 70 per cent women in economic activities and farmers making our country the food basket of the world," she said.

Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, who hails from Andhra Pradesh and Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay, both from Telangana, welcomed the Finance Minister's mention of Gurajada Apparao.

Born to Gurajada Venkata Ramadasu and Kausalyamma at Rayavaram in Andhra Pradesh on November 30, 1861, Gurajada Apparao was an eminent writer and a pioneer of colloquial Telugu literature during the pre-independence era.

He is known for his plays in Telugu, notably, 'Kanyasulkam' and 'Desamunu Preminchumanna'.

The play 'Kanyasulkan' was based on the evil tradition of child marriages. It was adapted into a 1955 movie with the same title in which N. T. Rama Rao, legendary actor and the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, played the lead role.

Apparao pursued higher education in Vijayanagaram and became a scholar in Telugu, Sanskrit and English. He also served as a lecturer at the same Maharaja College he studied. While working on drama, short stories and poetry, he also began researching the history of Telugu land and Kalinga (Odisha) with plans to write their history.

He passed away on November 30, 1915.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) Dr Amit Mitra, Principal Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister and Finance Department of West Bengal, criticised the Union Budget on Saturday, saying it was “a disaster for the common people”.

Claiming that there is nothing for the common people in this budget, he told IANS, “It (Union Budget) has cut everything. Social services were cut by 16 per cent. Housing cut by 4.38 per cent. Welfare and scheduled cast and scheduled tribes were cut by over 3 per cent. Social services and welfare, very important for the common people, were cut by 5 per cent. Now what is interesting is that even food subsidy had been cut by 1 per cent.”

“And there's nothing for the youth, women or farmers. Unemployment as you know, youth unemployment today is 46 per cent. Among them, 30 per cent are unemployed who are graduates. According to CMIE, as much as 37,000,000 people were unemployed between October and December,” the Principal Chief Advisor to the CM claimed.

On 100 per cent FDI allowed in insurance, Mitra said, “It is a challenge to all the public sector companies like LIC and a host of other insurance companies and including Indian private sector companies. Now while they are coming in, they'll come in with a 100 per cent equity. When our state asks for GST on insurance, including life insurance, to be reduced from 18 per cent goods and services tax to 0 because it's only punishing people who are taking insurance. The central government did not allow it. It postponed it. That leads me to the question. Is there some kind of a conspiratorial process here that foreign direct investors come in 100 per cent equity, but the GST remains at 18 per cent for insurance for the common people? Who benefits from this?”

Commenting on the manufacturing sector, he stated the survey has directly said the growth rate has been cut.

“Manufacturing is only 15 per cent of our GDP. And the promise was to take it to 25 per cent. What is there in the budget which is gonna take manufacturing to that 25 per cent target of Mr Modi? So how will you get higher growth? Naturally, growth is tumbling and conservative in its expectations. So what has the budget done for the common people? It has consistently cut,” Mitra stated.

Commenting on the new tax exemption limit announced in the budget, the Principal Chief Advisor to the West Bengal Chief Minister said, “Taxes from 7 lakh threshold have been raised to 12 lakh. So the income of 12 lakh level will not pay taxes, but remember inflation is rising and there is nothing in the budget to control inflation.”

Explaining the new tax exemption limit, he said, “Only 8 crore people pay taxes. Even if some proportion of those people gain a little bit, it'll get eaten up automatically by inflation. That means your real gain is 0. This is the kind of very clever trick that the budget plays.”

Slamming the budget, he said, “What has it done for inflation? In fact, to keep the fiscal deficit at 4.4 per cent central government is again going to borrow almost Rs 15 lakh crore. So the debt of the country will keep going. So my conclusion, is nothing for the common people, nothing for the youth, only unemployment. Nothing for women of any significance, only words. Nothing for the farmers accepting some homilies.”

Mitra also alleged that there was a deep-rooted conspiracy indicated by a lot of experts on Saturday.

“Inviting 100 per cent equity of foreign direct investment insurance, but not cutting the GST tax on insurance, does it have a connection between the two? In this government between somebody or the other, an international lobby?” he questioned.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS) The Narendra Modi government on Saturday complied with the Election Commission of India's directive not to announce any Delhi-specific schemes or sops in the Union Budget 2025-26 yet managed to give voters in the election-bound city a few reasons to cheer.

Apart from the tax exemption for the middle class, which will benefit Delhiites like all Indian citizens, many Central schemes may indirectly benefit city voters like slum dwellers and residents of unauthorised colonies that need an infrastructure boost.

In her eighth successive Budget speech on Saturday, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman announced several schemes for street vendors, gig workers, middle-class people who are paying EMIs for flats in stressed housing projects and the urban poor whose settlements need better infrastructure and governance.

PM SVANidhi scheme, which has benefitted more than 68 lakh street vendors by giving them respite from high-interest informal sector loans, will continue to benefit Delhi vendors, most of whom are from Purvanchal and live in slums or unauthorised colonies in the city.

According to the FM Sitharaman, a revamped version of the scheme - PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) - would offer enhanced loans from banks, UPI-linked credit cards and capacity-building support.

For middle-class Delhiites, who are paying EMIs in housing projects that have run into trouble, the Budget announced a new fund to expedite the completion of stressed projects.

The FM said in her speech, "Under the Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH), 50,000 dwelling units in stressed housing projects have been completed, and keys handed over to home-buyers. Another 40,000 units will be completed in 2025, further helping middle-class families who were paying EMIs on loans taken for apartments, while also paying rent for their current dwellings."

"Building on this success, SWAMIH Fund 2 will be established as a blended finance facility with contributions from the Government, banks and private investors. This fund of Rs 15,000 crore will aim for expeditious completion of another 1 lakh units," she said, an announcement that may bring relief to Delhiites looking to move into flats in the NCR region.

As promised by PM Modi in his election rallies in Delhi, gig workers will get several benefits soon.

According to the FM Sitharaman's speech aimed at such workers across the country, "The government will arrange for their identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal. They will be provided healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana. This measure is likely to assist nearly 1 crore gig-workers."

Election-bound Delhi's slum dwellers and residents from unauthorised colonies may also gain from the Budget provision for boosting infrastructure in cities.

The FM said, "The Government will set up an Urban Challenge Fund of Rs 1 lakh crore to implement the proposals for 'Cities as Growth Hubs', ‘Creative Redevelopment of Cities' and 'Water and Sanitation' announced in the July Budget.”

This fund would probably help fund projects like the Yamuna riverfront development, expanded tap water supply, sewer laying and pucca houses for slum dwellers in Delhi.

--IANS

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