Budget brings wry smile to many

Laxmi, a housewife from B. S. Maktha in Somajiguda expressed happiness at the announcement of reduction in prices of soap, footwear and low-end television sets in the Union Budget. At the same time, the mother of two is worried over the sharp increase of excise duty on tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, pan masala and gutkha.

“The government wants tobacco consumption to come down. But I am sure nothing of that sort will happen. My husband spends at least Rs.2,000 every month on cigarettes and loose tobacco. In fact, his expenses will increase while income remains the same,” sighs the wife of an auto trolley driver.

Many women hailing from the working class share similar apprehensions. “Already we are facing difficulties in feeding our families. The rise in prices of tobacco products will only spell a doom,” says Rani, her neighbour.

But for people like V. Vasu, a construction labourer hailing from Srikakulam, the budget will help realise his long cherished dream of buying a television set. The 34-year-old works as a construction labour and earns around Rs. 6,000 a month. The budget brought all smiles to him as Vasu does not consume tobacco products. The sliding of prices of footwear and cotton made apparels has further excited him.

“I do not know how much the cost of television will decrease but once the things are clear, I will buy one,” he says.

However, a common feeling amongst the working class is that the government should take more proactive steps to control the prices of vegetables and essential commodities are sky rocketing every passing day.