The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Disappointing, says Naidu

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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Disappointing, says Naidu

Special Correspondent

‘It ignores key sectors and burning problems’

N. Chandrababu Naidu

HYDERABAD: Leader of Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu has described the budget disappointing as it ignored several key sectors and the burning problems of different sections of people.

He told reporters that the government exposed its lack of concern to the backward classes, who constituted 52 per cent of the population, by allocating for their welfare a meagre Rs. 353 crore.

The budget speech of the Finance Minister made a passing reference to handloom sector which was in crisis. In fact, a Cabinet sub-committee headed by the Minister had recommended a Rs. 300 crore package to help the distressed handloom weavers. Similarly, there was no mention of welfare for the physically handicapped who had taken to the path of agitation.

Mr. Naidu accused the government of heavy borrowing in presenting such a rosy budget. The priorities of the government in the exercise were misplaced. Its policies were aimed at helping some individuals, particularly irrigation contractors, mining lessees and promoters of Information Technology firms in Special Economic Zones earning thousands of crores of rupees. There was nothing in the budget for the poor.

He said the government projected a negative growth rate in agriculture sector as it was less than the national average.

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