Budget a document of deceit: Phoolka
CHANDIGARH: Terming the Congress government’s first budget “hopeless and fake document”, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday went ballistic while attacking the treasury benches.
Initiating a debate on the budget, leader of Opposition HS Phoolka said the budget was a “document of deceit” and it provides no solution to the problems of Punjab.
Phoolka said it was ironical that finance minister Manpreet Badal got to know about the bleak fiscal position of the state on the day of presenting the budget. “Were you not aware about the financial bankruptcy of the state when you made tall promises to the people of Punjab through your party manifesto? This government even promised the moon to the people in the governor’s address. Suddenly, you are claiming there is no money,” he said.
Taking potshots at the FM, who in his speech claimed that there was an increase of ₹266 crore for the health sector, Phoolka said, all these claims were misleading. “This is actually the capital expenditure kept for the health sector and this amount will be spent on buildings and other infrastructure. Health minister Brahm Mohindra even thanked the finance minister terming it an achievement. Every MLA is this House is terming shortage of staff in the health centres as the main problem in their constituency, but your budget is completely silent,” said Phoolka.
“Last year the budget allocation in the education sector was ₹9,678 crore, which has been increased to ₹10,498 crore this year. You made it your achievement. But reality is that last year the allocation on education was 11% of the total budget and this year, you have decreased it to 9%,” said the AAP leader. He claimed even states such as Himachal and Haryana have allocated 17% and 15% for education.
On farm debt waiver, he said it appeared that the CM and the FM have not discussed the issue. “One day before the budget, the CM announced a total waiver of crop loan. Whereas next day, a provision of only ₹1,500 crore was made for debt waiver. Why are you playing with the emotions of the farmers?” questioned Phoolka.
AAP MLA Baljinder Kaur dubbed ₹1,500 crore for farm debt waiver as a crude joke with farmers. “Against ₹21,000 crore of farm debt, all you have promised is ₹1500 crore. It is a stigma on this government. Where is the free education for girls from nursery to PhD that the CM promised during his speech on Monday?” she questioned.
SAYS IT IS IRONICAL THAT FINANCE MINISTER GOT TO KNOW ABOUT STATE’S POOR FISCAL HEALTH WHILE PRESENTING THE BUDGET