Gujarat: 'Atmanirbhar Budget' for CM is a statistical illusion, says Opp

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel welcomed the Union Budget 2022-23, saying it would fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to become India Atmanirbhar (self-sufficient), while the Opposition Congress labelled it a "illusion of statistics."

It is a popular, Sarvasamaveshak (all inclusive) and Sarvaposhak (Welfare for all) budget, according to an official announcement quoting the CM.

"Despite providing benefits of various health related steps during Covid-19 pandemic like free vaccination, free ration to needy, increase in health infrastructure, the union government has not imposed additional tax of a single rupee on general public," the release quoted the CM as having said.

According to Patel, this budget will build the groundwork for India's next 25 years of "Amrut Kaal" in its 75th year of independence. "The budget has the blueprint and roadmap of development for the next 25 years when India will complete its 100 years of independence," the release said.

PM Gati Shakti, all-inclusive development, increased output, and investment opportunities are among the four goals highlighted in this budget, according to the CM. He praised the prime minister and finance minister for the budget, which focuses on the development of all people, including young, women, farmers, businesspeople, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, the poor, and the rural.

According to the CM, the budget has reduced the custom tax on polished diamonds and gem stones, which will boost Surat's gems and jewellery industry.

Gujarat Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai hailed the budget as well, emphasising the state's benefits.

According to Desai, the considerable rise in capital investment will aid in not only the creation of new jobs, but also the improvement of people's well-being.

Desai went on to say that the decision on the Damanganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi-Narmada river interlinking projects in Gujarat is crucial. "This project of diverting water of these areas which is getting drained into sea and channeling it to Gujarat can be called the most auspicious."

"An arbitration centre will come up at our IFSC Centre in GIFT City. There is not a single such centre in India. When the businessmen of our country have some (legal) case, they have to go to Singapore, London, etc… There will also be an International Financial Institution at GIFT City which will be completely autonomous," Desai added.

Gujarat will benefit from tax reductions in the textile, diamond, and jewellery industries, according to him.

Gujarat BJP President CR Paatil was described in a party release as calling the budget "historic", "With this budget, Gujarat's diamond industry will become more strong and development oriented… GIFT City in Gandhinagar will get an identity of education hub and ideas of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local will be promoted."

However, Gujarat Congress working president Hardik Patel said, "The budget has been built around false promises and huge assumptions. Farmers, middle class, poor… the govt has betrayed all. Govt has drastically cut basic support to all major social and financial security schemes be it MGNREGA, MSP, fertiliser subsidy or food subsidy. Jumla, jumla and more jumla… That is what is this budget is. Unfortunately, my beloved country has to bear this for some more time."

Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi claimed that the pockets of the poor, farmers, job seekers, and the middle class are empty, and the hopes of the youth have been entirely destroyed, "What happened to the promises of doubling farmers' income, giving two crore new jobs every year? Are these the promised acche din? Phrases such as start-up India, Skill India, Standup India have become redundant… There is no policy, intent, or vision in the budget and it is just an illusion of statistics to fool the people."