More 'bevu', less 'bella' in Budget: Sindhia

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, MARCH 26. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition, in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. D.V.Sadananda Gowda, said here today that the Budget for 2001-2002 is "anti-farmer", and it had neglected the agriculture sector.

He told presspersons that the Budget had exposed the serious financial constraints of the State Government. Tax had been increased on aluminium and kerosene stoves, and it would be a heavy burden on the poor. The increase in the amount earmarked for the Revolving Market Intervention Fund was not adequate, and it would not solve the problems of the farmers.

He said the Budget had completely ignored education and the 10- point economic programme that had been much publicised by the Congress. The multi-point tax on electronics and the heavy duty on cable TV operators were an unnecessary burden.

Mr. Gowda said the Budget had also ignored the Government sector and given undue importance to the private sector. Like the previous budget of the Congress government, this Budget was also ``full of announcements''.

The Leader of the JD(U) in the Assembly, Mr. P.G.R.Sindhia, said the Budget was a ``disappointment'', and the Chief Minister, Mr. Krishna, had again proved that he was not pro-farmer. There was absolutely no relief to the farmers. He said it was a repetition of the earlier Budget.

Mr. Sindhia said that while the attempt at introducing administrative reforms such as abolishing posts in revenue division-level offices was welcome, the much-publicised programme to desilt tanks had not been given priority. Mr. Sindhia pointed out that while it had been announced in the previous Budget that 25,000 tanks would be desilted under the programme, this time the target fixed was to desilt only 5,000 tanks.

He said while he welcomed the setting up of the Legislators Area Development Fund (LADF), the amount earmarked for each legislator was a pittance. With Rs. 25 lakhs to each legislator, no development work would be possible.

Mr. Sindhia said while the reduction in tax on coconut oil was welcome, the move to increase power generation up to 250 MW at Sivasamudram was not feasible.

He dubbed the Budget for 2001-2002 being as "Bella Bevu" but quickly added that there was more of "bevu" and less of "bella."

The JD(U) State unit President, Mr. C.Byre Gowda, said the Budget had betrayed farmers and no attempt had been made to tackle their problems. The concessions shown to industries and to the ``liquor barons'' only revealed the Government's priorities at the cost of the farmers. He said it was a disappointing Budget.

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Section  : Southern States
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