BOUQUETS AND BRICKBATS

Finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal’s budget proposals are being appreciated for some populist measures, but people say some sectors have been ignored completely

It is fraud with the people of Punjab. Manpreet is misstating facts and refusing to keep aside funds for fulfilling commitments to different sections including farmers, youth and employees. There is nothing for social welfare . Parminder S Dhindsa, ex-finance minister

It’s a populist budget. Inclusion of landless labourers in debt relief and relief of ₹10,000 per acre to farmers who have land across the International Border is a marvellous step. There is little to bail out farmers. Prof Lakhwinder Gill, Punjabi University, Patiala

There is nothing in the budget to address the agrarian crisis. It has ignored all sections particularly women and Dalits, and has only highlighted the government’s helplessness to address the pressing issues. Harpal Singh Cheema, leader of opposition

The reduction is fuel prices will give fillip to industry. The government must protect the existing industry, as there is intense competition from other states. We need government subsidy on freight.

GS Kahlon, president, Auto Parts Manufacturers’ Association of India

Debt waiver is a wastage of money. As there is no money for development, the government will borrow more which will add to the state’s debt burden. The ₹60 crore earmarked for diversification is peanuts. Sardara Singh Johl, farm economist

Yet another chance lost. Finance minister accepted that the state is heading toward desertification, but there is nothing to address the farm crisis. State should have added funds to the Centre’s ₹6,000 financial aid to farmers. Devender Sharma, farm policy analyst

It certainly is a populist budget. By slashing fuel prices, the government has provided the much-needed respite to every section of society. The power subsidy of ₹1,513 crore will bring relief for industry.

Sandeep Jain, president, All-India Induction and Furnace Association

Reduction in fuel prices is a good step, but it should not remain an election gimmick. The present regime is industry-friendly. Money should be spent on re-carpeting of roads in the Focal Point. Mridula Jain, chairperson, Shawl Club (India) and MD, Shingora Textiles

By promising debt waiver to landless labourers, the government is now befooling them the way it did with farmers. No funds for crop diversification. Balbir Singh Rajewal, president, BKU

The budget is bundle of papers. All promises such as jobs, unemployed allowance, shagun on marriage of poor, and debt waiver have fallen flat.

Shwait Malik, Punjab BJP chief