Udupi

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s seventh budget has sparked varied reactions from Udupi district leaders. Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Udupi’s in-charge minister and Minister for Women and Child Welfare, has criticized the budget as ‘biased.’ She claims the central government is favoring certain states and neglecting Karnataka’s needs. Hebbalkar expressed disappointment, stating that the budget overlooks pending projects and does not adequately address unemployment. She also questioned the effectiveness of initiatives like the Kisan Credit Card scheme.

On the other hand, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna lauded the budget, praising it for its potential to transform the economy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Suvarna noted that the budget includes significant investments in women’s empowerment, education, employment, and skill development. He highlighted key measures such as the National Cooperative Policy, increased income tax limits, enhanced agricultural support, and rural development programs like Gram Sadak Yojana.

Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA from Kaup, echoed Suvarna’s positive view, particularly appreciating the budget’s focus on agriculture, education, and women’s issues. These mixed reactions underscore the diverse perspectives on Budget 2024 and its expected impact on India’s development.