Congress MP Calls for Discussion on Tamil Nadu's Negligence in Union Budget 2024

Congress MP Manickam Tagore has called for a debate in Lok Sabha regarding the perceived neglect of Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget 2024. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive budget, highlighting areas such as agriculture and employment, but faced criticism for overlooking Tamil Nadu.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Wednesday issued an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha, calling for a discussion about the perceived negligence of Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget 2024. The budget was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, her seventh consecutive Union Budget, on Tuesday during the Budget Session of Parliament.

Tagore stated, "I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely, that Tamil Nadu has been completely neglected in Budget 2024." Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Siva echoed Tagore's concerns, asserting that the state has been overlooked in the budget.

"India has 20 crore population who are below the poverty line as per NITI Aayog. 80 crore people depend on ration shops. They assured 2 crore jobs per year but nothing materialised. Tamil Nadu has been totally neglected," Siva further remarked. On the same day, Sitharaman made history as the first finance minister to present seven consecutive budget speeches, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai's record of six consecutive budgets between 1959 and 1964.

In her latest budget, Sitharaman outlined key priorities aimed at boosting economic growth and creating job opportunities. Her focus areas include productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment skills and services. She listed nine priority sectors: agriculture, employment and skilling, human resource development, social justice, manufacturing and services, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation, research and development, and next-generation reforms.

Sitharaman also introduced significant income-tax reforms, including an increased standard deduction and revised tax rates for salaried individuals under the new tax regime. These measures aim to simplify tax laws, enhance compliance, and foster economic growth. She proposed the creation of employment for about 4.1 crore youth over the next five years, with a budget allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore. Additionally, Rs 1.48 crore has been allocated for skilling 20 lakh citizens, with plans to upgrade 1,000 industrial training institutes over a five-year period.

(With inputs from agencies.)