Sachin Pilot Terms Budget ‘Directionless’, Says No Plans To Address Unemployment

Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Saturday termed the budget 'directionless'. "It is beyond understanding that how will investment take place when the government has limited resources and investors are facing economic slump," the Rajasthan deputy chief minister said. Pilot said that the budget was disappointing and there was no plan or roadmap to address the issue of unemployment.

Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had tweeted: "Budget speech lacked any substance to solve present economic crisis. It was simply jugglery of words without any focus on providing relief to common people or to industries."        

“The problems of banking sector have not been dealt with properly. Budget certainly has no focus on growth,” he said, adding that it has turned out to be “very disappointing”.

On Saturday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the Budget ‘repetitive’ and added that speech was longest but it had nothing and was hollow. Taking a postshot at the Budget, the Wayanad MP said that the main issued faced by the country is unemployment. “I didn't see any strategic idea that would help our youth get jobs. I saw tactical stuff but no central idea. It describes govt well, lot of repetition, rambling-it is mindset of govt, all talk, but nothing happening”, added Rahul Gandhi.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala launched tirade against the government for ‘giving Corporate Tax Cuts’.

He had demanded the government to offer tax cuts to salaried class and invest in Rural India.

On the tax front, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that people earning between Rs 5-7.5 lakhs will be required to pay tax at 10 per cent against the current 20 per cent.

The BJP welcomed the budget present by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, saying it was balanced and inclusive.

“Changes in Income Tax slabs is a big relief for the middle class. Every section has been covered. Budget provisions for the welfare of all sections and sectors, including education, health, infrastructure development, tribals, senior citizens, have been made,” BJP state president Satish Poonia said.