Congress MP Shashi Tharoor led the discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha after disruptions, calling it a missed opportunity to address economic concerns. Tharoor criticized the budget for shifting the tax burden from corporates to individual taxpayers. He highlighted inadequate funding for agriculture despite its crucial role in the economy.
Tharoor expressed concern over reduced allocations for agriculture, citing challenges like climate change and misaligned farming practices. He criticized the failure of the Fasal Bima Yojana in protecting farmers and raised doubts about the effectiveness of new agricultural initiatives. Tharoor also pointed out the budget’s silence on revising PM-Kisan Nidhi disbursement amid deepening farm distress.
The MP questioned the reduction in funding for agricultural research and technology development, emphasizing the need for breakthroughs in AI-driven agricultural technologies. Tharoor highlighted the distress in the pepper sector in Kerala and the persistent issue of unemployment. He noted the stagnation of rural unemployment and the rise in urban unemployment, criticizing the government’s response under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
