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Anti-people, pro-capitalist: Bihar CM

BS Bureau

This budget is anti-people and pro-capitalist. The budget has dealt a serious blow to common people and the poor. It is pro-capitalist and aimed at benefitting industrialists.

The budget does not provide any financial package for Bihar's growth. The RJD will organise a rally on 4 March to press for the ouster of the anti-people Vajpayee government.

When Bihar asks for money, it doesn't get it. For several years, we have been seeking overdrafts. We are not the only ones. Uttar Pradesh makes the same demand on a regular basis.

However, when we ask for additional money, our request is always turned down. We are asked to set up agriculture-based industry year after year. But no help is ever forthcoming from the Centre.

The Central government has to realise that the state is now -after bifurcation -even poorer than it used to be. We need central support.

In Bihar, given the income levels in the rural areas, the concept of user charges is simply not feasible. How can anyone ask persons who cannot find livelihood, to pay to use a road or a bridge? To provide these facilities is the responsibility of the state.

This Budget is very anti-labour. In India, the responsibility for providing employment rests with the government. The Budget says nothing about employment but instead attacks the rights of labour. This is particularly important in Bihar where the employment situation is particularly bad.

There is nothing in the Budget about landless peasants or agrarian reforms. This comprises the biggest section in Bihar and this is the most deprived section. Excise policies announced in this Budget will not help us in Bihar in any meaningful way.

We oppose this Budget.

Source: Business Standard

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