The Lok Sabha today took up a general discussion on Union Budget for 2021-22. Initiating the discussion, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that it is unfortunate that considerable financial support has not been provided to the armed forces in the Budget. He alleged that the government is trying to deceive people with the Union budget and added that citizens have been left disappointed. He added that no relief in tax rates has been provided for the middle class.

Meenakshi Lekhi of BJP thanked the NDA government for focusing on saving lives during the pandemic. She said the budget has provisions for all sections of society – senior citizens, women and youth. She said this is the first budget of this decade and it will pave the way from India’s growth. Ms Lekhi said progress of the country cannot take place by appeasing certain sections of the society and tough decisions must be taken sometimes. 

Dayanidhi Maran of DMK raised the issue of privatization of Public Sector Units saying that the government is not taking enough steps for the revival of loss making units. He said, prices of petrol have substantially increased in the past few years which is causing problems for the common people. Prof. Saugata Roy of Trinamool Congress said that fiscal deficit surpassed the prescribed limit and reached 9.5 per cent of the GDP which resulted in inflation and price rise in the country. He alleged that the government is selling the national assets in the name of disinvestment. The discussion is underway.