The Union Budget presented on Friday evoked mixed response from the people. While it failed to fulfil the expectations of the common people, industrialists welcomed it.
The cess raised by ₹ 1 per litre on petrol and diesel did not go well with the people, owners of commercial vehicles and shopkeepers as they feared that the price of essential commodities would go up. “Cost of fuel is increasing every day that adds to the price of vegetables and commodities. Further, hike in fuel price will affect the middle class people much,” said V. Santha, a home maker.
There was not much for the middle class or the salaried people to cheer about in the budget, said M. Kumar, who works in a private firm.
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Though farmers welcomed the announcement of starting farmer producer organisation, investments in agriculture infrastructure and encouraging entrepreneurship for value-addition to farmers produce, they questioned how the farmers’ income would be doubled by 2022.
Farmers’ income
S. Nallasamy, secretary of Federation of Tamil Nadu Agriculturist Associations, wanted the recommendations of National Commission on Farmers implemented. “The government should explain how they are going to double the income of farmers who constitute 60% of the population,” he said.
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C. Balakrishnan, general secretary, Federation of All Trade and Industry in Erode District, welcomed the pension scheme for small and marginal traders, simplification of obtaining loans and withdrawal of service charges for digital transactions. However, he said that no major concessions were announced for the trade and industry.
V.P.S. Radhakrishnan, immediate past chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry, Erode, said that the announcements focused on the country becoming $ 5 trillion economy with water management, enhanced air and water connectivity, focus on rural housing and infrastructure contributing immensely towards it.