Hope and Discontent: Parliament Debates Amid Budget Presentation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the first budget of NDA 3.0 amidst hopes for relief from inflation and unemployment, highlighted by Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi's concerns. The government emphasizes economic growth and women's empowerment.

As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Parliament to present the first budget of the NDA 3.0 government on Tuesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed hope for relief from rising inflation and unemployment. Speaking to ANI, Chaturvedi highlighted the disconnect between the economic survey and the ground reality, pointing out the peak in unemployment and joblessness.

Chaturvedi also voiced the youth's frustrations over the Agniveer scheme and questioned how per capita income would rise amidst growing inflation and stagnant incomes. She urged Sitharaman to address the people's needs in the budget, rather than the Prime Minister's rhetoric.

Meanwhile, Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25, noting India's economic growth as a beacon in her initial comments. The Union Cabinet had approved the budget earlier in the day, marking Sitharaman's seventh consecutive budget presentation. The session featured discussions on economic resilience post-Covid, with significant emphasis on women's welfare and empowerment initiatives as highlighted in the Economic Survey 2023-24.

The budget session began on July 22 and is set to conclude on August 12. The budget for women's welfare has seen a substantial increase, with the gender budget rising significantly since FY14.

(With inputs from agencies.)