No freebies offered in the Budget but the proposals will lead to formalisation of the economy, push growth and jobs: BJP spokesperson

 

As India thrives to touch the $5 trillion economy, will Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s fourth crucial budget amid the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic catapult growth and employment generation? Gopal Krishna Agarwal, BJP’s national spokesperson on economy speaks to India Narrative on the Budget, which he said was “a trailblazer.” An excerpt of the interview.

The FM had that the Budget will focus on Amrit Kaal. What does that mean?

India is at 75. We will approach 100 years of independence. This journey marks the Amrit Kaal. The budget lays the blueprint to the roadmap to that. Therefore, this Budget was a crucial one, especially as it was delivered at a time when global uncertainties continue. There are no freebies, no political appeasement but the focus is on strengthening our economy by boosting infrastructure and supporting sectors that need help. Importantly it speaks of urbanisation of tier II and tier III cities, which will also propel growth for the country in the coming years further facilitation of ease of doing business and ease of living. This surely establishes the fact that India’s post pandemic economic recovery is on a firm footing.

Vaccination programme is key. But India still has a long way to go. What is the plan?

Vaccination programme is going on as per schedule. More than 166 crore of vaccines have been administered. As many as 71 crore are now fully vaccinated. We are committed to vaccinating the whole population. The last mile connectivity is also the responsibility of the state governments. The states also need to do their bit in mobilising people and ensure that they are vaccinated. Some opposition parties had been irresponsible in their approach to the vaccination programme but now they are also on board. Certain segments require more push, which the state governments must address.

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