Voices from the region

Punjab chief minister was critical of the Union budget, his counterparts from Haryana and Himachal Pradesh termed it growth-oriented and forward-looking

Union budget exposes Centre’s apathy to common man, middle class and farmers. Even the defence sector didn’t get its due. Health sector figures fudged to show hike. It also manifests the central government’s persistent efforts to sideline non-bjp states. Capt Amarinder Singh,

chief minister, Punjab

Despite the adverse conditions, the Union finance minister has presented a positive and growthoriented budget. We are not sure what will be in the state-specific detailed report, but it is relaxing to know that the revenue-deficit grant will continue for Himachal.

Jai Ram, chief minister, HP

Allocations and announcements for farmers, healthcare sector, affordable housing, and extension of Ujjawala scheme will have great synergies with the ongoing efforts of the state government. It’s a visionary, pro-poor and forward-looking budget. Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana chief minister

The budget has ticked all the right boxes. Northern states are the hub of MSMES, and there are many positives for the sector such as rationalisation of custom duty structures. Proposal to establish seven textile parks will help many textile hubs in the region.

Nikhil Sawhney, chairman,

CII (northern region)

Keeping in mind the challenges faced by every section of the society during COVID-19, a digital budget was presented to the people of the country for the first time in the history of India, which will lay the foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Dushyant Chautala, deputy

chief minister, Haryana

The budget is fantastic and it is great to see how the government hasn’t taken anything back from the people despite the year we’ve had. The decision to establish textile parks will be especially beneficial for the textile belt in Punjab

Karan Gilhotra, chairman, PHD Chamber (Punjab chapter)