“When you see this budget, it will apparently seem that there is something for everyone. You are from segment- farmers, migrant workers, student, ailing patient or anyone-you have been covered and have come under welfare scheme. It is like a fairy-tale budget. When we remember the financial crisis of Trinamool Congress government, we wonder where will the funds come from welfare schemes? Is Trinamool government thinking of any path for revenue earning. There is no talks about additional revenue mobilization,” Lahiri said in the floor of the House.
He also raised the issue of much debated Luxury tax discount where the state government has given discount but how will you compensate the deficit incurred from this?
State Finance Minister (Independent Charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya has announced a Settlement of Dispute (SoD) Scheme for waiver of penalty and interest on Luxury Tax, giving relief to the hotel and restaurant owenrs from long pending disputed tax liabilities in the state budget yesterday.
When the state government is talking about financial crisis and central fund non-disbursal, how will they manage the funds, Lahiri added.
“Through Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, the monthly assistance has been increased and doubled from Rs 500 to Rs 1000 for women in general while for SC-ST community it has been increased and made into Rs 1200. The expense will increase to Rs 12000 crore. While for all women it is double, for SC-ST it is only 20%. Has Trinamool lost hope for getting SC-ST votes? Lahiri said and questioned the discrimination.On MGNREGA issue, Lahiri said “Trinamool Congress talks about deprivation on the issue on MGNREGA and PM Awaz Yoajana. If you read CAG 2022 report and seek discussion with me, I will do it.”“Those who speak of double-engine should see how Bengal’s single-engine government has shown the path towards self-sufficiency. This has set an example for the entire country,” Chandrima Bhattacharya said.
“The Centre had sent 156 teams and termed these beneficiaries as genuine but funds for their housing have not been sent. We will wait for the Centre to release funds within a month for PM Awas Yojana. If they don’t, we will start releasing funds for the houses of these 11.36 lakh people,” Bhattacharya said at a separate programme today.
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
