A take on govt’s intentions, shortcomings & challenges

Allocations do show the government’s concern for agriculture sector. Subsidy could have been given as direct income support for marginal, small and medium farmers. Emphasis on health and medical colleges is well placed. However there is no scheme to make medical education accessible to brilliant students from poor families.

SS Johl, economist and former PAU V-C

We should give the new government some time to prove itself. The good thing is that for every proposal there is a budgetary allocation. The challenge is to raise revenue to support the proposals. Certain things are not in the government’s control, such as diversification, for which people’s participation is required.

Kesar Singh Bhangu, dean social sciences, Punjabi University

The Budget proposes overall development of the state.

The allocations show the government’s intention to do good, but the impending challenge is that after July, annual allocation of ₹15,000 crore against GST will end. Allocation of ₹1,131 crore for smart cities mission will drive economic growth.

Rupinder Singh Sachdeva, chairman, PHD chamber of commerce and industry

The government is creating falsehood and being exposed. It is good that the government has allocated ₹11,560 crore for the agriculture sector, but there are no funds for research, particularly for the PAU. More fund allocations mean more debt on the state as revenue generation of the government is dwindling.

Balbir Singh Rajewal, president, Bhartiya

Kisan Union

It is a farmer-friendly budget, particularly during the current resource crunch. Funds should have been allocated for debt waiver and giving compensation to the families of farmers and farm workers who committed suicide. They are surviving on the brink. Small and marginal farmers need special care.

Dr Sukhpal Singh, agri economist, Punjab Agricultural University