News Analysis India

Tag: Budget 2023

  • Finance Bill passed with 45 amendments without any discussion

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: A day after passing the expenditure budget for 2023-24 without debate, the Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Finance Bill, too, without any discussion amid Opposition uproar demanding a JPC probe into allegations against industrialist Gautam Adani. 

    The Finance Bill, which gives effect to the tax proposals in the Budget, was passed with 45 changes.

    One of the key changes is the removal of the tax benefits on long-term investment in debt mutual funds (MFs with over 35 per cent allocation to debt securities). Now, gains from such funds, irrespective of the holding period, would be taxed at slab rates. Long-term capital gains from debt funds would cease to get indexation benefits.

    “An arbitrage is being created right now where interest income from debt mutual funds is not distributed and converted into long-term capital gains of 20 per cent (with indexation). In some cases, it comes to less than 10 per cent due to indexation. Thus, many taxpayers are able to reduce their tax liability through this arbitrage. This is sought to be addressed,” the finance ministry said. 

    In another setback to the investors’ community, the amended Finance Bill has increased the securities transaction tax by 25 per cent on both options and futures trades. On a positive note, the Bill brought relief to taxpayers with income marginally higher than Rs 7 lakh with an amendment clarifying that they won’t be unfairly taxed. 

    There is no tax for income up to Rs 7 lakh under the new tax regime but tax kicks in the moment one breaches that threshold. In such cases, the net payable tax can’t be more than the amount by which Rs 7 lakh is overshot, says the amendment. In other words, if a person’s income is Rs 7,00,100, the tax can’t be above Rs 100.

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said she will set up a panel led by Finance Secretary TV Somanathan to look into the issue of pensions while maintaining fiscal prudence to protect common citizens. 

    READ MORE:

    Finance Bill 2023: Debt mutual funds to lose tax advantage, bank FDs may gain

    Finance Bill 2023: Govt hikes tax on futures and options trading by up to 25 per cent

    Finance Bill 2023: No respite for startups from Angel Tax

    NEW DELHI: A day after passing the expenditure budget for 2023-24 without debate, the Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Finance Bill, too, without any discussion amid Opposition uproar demanding a JPC probe into allegations against industrialist Gautam Adani. 

    The Finance Bill, which gives effect to the tax proposals in the Budget, was passed with 45 changes.

    One of the key changes is the removal of the tax benefits on long-term investment in debt mutual funds (MFs with over 35 per cent allocation to debt securities). Now, gains from such funds, irrespective of the holding period, would be taxed at slab rates. Long-term capital gains from debt funds would cease to get indexation benefits.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “An arbitrage is being created right now where interest income from debt mutual funds is not distributed and converted into long-term capital gains of 20 per cent (with indexation). In some cases, it comes to less than 10 per cent due to indexation. Thus, many taxpayers are able to reduce their tax liability through this arbitrage. This is sought to be addressed,” the finance ministry said. 

    In another setback to the investors’ community, the amended Finance Bill has increased the securities transaction tax by 25 per cent on both options and futures trades. On a positive note, the Bill brought relief to taxpayers with income marginally higher than Rs 7 lakh with an amendment clarifying that they won’t be unfairly taxed. 

    There is no tax for income up to Rs 7 lakh under the new tax regime but tax kicks in the moment one breaches that threshold. In such cases, the net payable tax can’t be more than the amount by which Rs 7 lakh is overshot, says the amendment. In other words, if a person’s income is Rs 7,00,100, the tax can’t be above Rs 100.

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said she will set up a panel led by Finance Secretary TV Somanathan to look into the issue of pensions while maintaining fiscal prudence to protect common citizens. 

    READ MORE:

    Finance Bill 2023: Debt mutual funds to lose tax advantage, bank FDs may gain

    Finance Bill 2023: Govt hikes tax on futures and options trading by up to 25 per cent

    Finance Bill 2023: No respite for startups from Angel Tax

  • Budget 2023 takes care of all sections of society: Anurag Thakur

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Union Minister For Information & Broadcasting, and Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur hails the Union Budget, saying it has laid the foundation for a new India. In an interview with this daily, Thakur talks about a range of issues, including slashing of allocation for MGNREGA and Parliament logjam, besides the Budget. 

    Excerpt:

    What are the highlights of this budget?This Budget is all inclusive, transparent and visionary. Every section of the society — poor, women, youth, middle class, farmers and self-help groups – has been taken care of. The focus is on infrastructure improvement that will create more jobs. Significant allocation has been made for each sector. The foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) has been laid to build a new India. Emphasis is on improvement of incomes. The focus is on green economy that will lead to green jobs. India will become a hub for green hydrogen; we have already sanctioned Rs 37,000 crore for the same. We are looking at an investment of about Rs 8 lakh crore in this field.

    The Budget allocation for the ministry of sports and youth affairs has been increased by 11%; the highest since 2010. What are the plans?PMNarendra Modi wants India to be a ‘sports superpower’. Sports infrastructure is being spruced up. We will work on the improvement of National Centres of Excellence. High altitude training centres will be built. 

    Opposition is criticising the cut in allocation for MGNREGA by 30%…The Congress government used to spend Rs 30,000 crore whereas even during the pandemic, we spent over Rs 1.14 lakh crore. It is a demand-driven scheme. Last year, the payout was Rs 99,000 crore. Whenever the demand comes up, the Budget is provided.

    The Opposition-ruled states have been raising the old pension scheme issue. What is your response?Whatever promises they had made before the elections; they should keep. Himachal Pradesh CM (Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu) said he has no funds to fulfill the promises. They promised Rs 1,500 to women and also the old pension scheme.  What were their calculations before the elections? They should answer.

    After three days of disruptions on the Adani issue, Opposition parties agreed to end the logjam. What is your take?Parliament gives them an opportunity to raise the issues related to the common man. They (Opposition) missed the opportunity. They could have a longer period to discuss issues concerning the public, during the question hour and discussion during Motion of Thanks on the President’s address. A couple of political parties were running away from the discussion.

    NEW DELHI:  Union Minister For Information & Broadcasting, and Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur hails the Union Budget, saying it has laid the foundation for a new India. In an interview with this daily, Thakur talks about a range of issues, including slashing of allocation for MGNREGA and Parliament logjam, besides the Budget. 

    Excerpt:

    What are the highlights of this budget?
    This Budget is all inclusive, transparent and visionary. Every section of the society — poor, women, youth, middle class, farmers and self-help groups – has been taken care of. The focus is on infrastructure improvement that will create more jobs. Significant allocation has been made for each sector. The foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) has been laid to build a new India. Emphasis is on improvement of incomes. The focus is on green economy that will lead to green jobs. India will become a hub for green hydrogen; we have already sanctioned Rs 37,000 crore for the same. We are looking at an investment of about Rs 8 lakh crore in this field.

    The Budget allocation for the ministry of sports and youth affairs has been increased by 11%; the highest since 2010. What are the plans?
    PMNarendra Modi wants India to be a ‘sports superpower’. Sports infrastructure is being spruced up. We will work on the improvement of National Centres of Excellence. High altitude training centres will be built. 

    Opposition is criticising the cut in allocation for MGNREGA by 30%…
    The Congress government used to spend Rs 30,000 crore whereas even during the pandemic, we spent over Rs 1.14 lakh crore. It is a demand-driven scheme. Last year, the payout was Rs 99,000 crore. Whenever the demand comes up, the Budget is provided.

    The Opposition-ruled states have been raising the old pension scheme issue. What is your response?
    Whatever promises they had made before the elections; they should keep. Himachal Pradesh CM (Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu) said he has no funds to fulfill the promises. They promised Rs 1,500 to women and also the old pension scheme.  What were their calculations before the elections? They should answer.

    After three days of disruptions on the Adani issue, Opposition parties agreed to end the logjam. What is your take?
    Parliament gives them an opportunity to raise the issues related to the common man. They (Opposition) missed the opportunity. They could have a longer period to discuss issues concerning the public, during the question hour and discussion during Motion of Thanks on the President’s address. A couple of political parties were running away from the discussion.

  • Sounds good: Investment limit for senior citizens increased to Rs 30 lakh

    By Express News Service

    MUMBAI:  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a new saving scheme for women that will offer a fixed rate of 7.5%. Available for a 2-year period up to March 2025, Mahila Samman Savings certificate will have an option for partial withdrawal.

    “For commemorating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a one-time new small saving scheme Mahila Samman Savings certificate will be available for a 2-year period up to March 2025,” said the Finance Minister in her budget speech. “This will offer deposit facility up to Rs 2 lakh in the name of women or girls for a tenor of 2 years at fixed interest rate of 7.5 per cent with partial withdrawal option,” she added.

    Sitharaman also gave a reason to cheer to the senior citizens, as she proposed to double the maximum investment limit for senior citizen saving scheme accounts from Rs  15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. “The senior citizens saving scheme will be extended for a deposit account of Rs 30 lakh from Rs 15 lakh,” she said.

    Similarly, the minister proposed to increase the maximum investment limit in post office Monthly Income Account Scheme to Rs 9 lakh for a single account and Rs 15 lakh for joint accounts.  “The maximum deposit limit for Monthly Income Account Scheme will be enhanced from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs  9 lakh for single account and from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 15 lakh for joint account,” she said.

    The senior citizens saving scheme offers 8 per cent interest per annum while post office Monthly Income Scheme offers 7.1 per cent interest. Last month, the government announced a hike in small savings interest rates by up to 1.1 percentage points for the January-March quarter. 

    MUMBAI:  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a new saving scheme for women that will offer a fixed rate of 7.5%. Available for a 2-year period up to March 2025, Mahila Samman Savings certificate will have an option for partial withdrawal.

    “For commemorating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a one-time new small saving scheme Mahila Samman Savings certificate will be available for a 2-year period up to March 2025,” said the Finance Minister in her budget speech. “This will offer deposit facility up to Rs 2 lakh in the name of women or girls for a tenor of 2 years at fixed interest rate of 7.5 per cent with partial withdrawal option,” she added.

    Sitharaman also gave a reason to cheer to the senior citizens, as she proposed to double the maximum investment limit for senior citizen saving scheme accounts from Rs  15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. “The senior citizens saving scheme will be extended for a deposit account of Rs 30 lakh from Rs 15 lakh,” she said.

    Similarly, the minister proposed to increase the maximum investment limit in post office Monthly Income Account Scheme to Rs 9 lakh for a single account and Rs 15 lakh for joint accounts.  “The maximum deposit limit for Monthly Income Account Scheme will be enhanced from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs  9 lakh for single account and from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 15 lakh for joint account,” she said.

    The senior citizens saving scheme offers 8 per cent interest per annum while post office Monthly Income Scheme offers 7.1 per cent interest. Last month, the government announced a hike in small savings interest rates by up to 1.1 percentage points for the January-March quarter.
     

  • PM terms Union Budget ‘historic’, says it gives priority to deprived

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Terming the Union budget “historic”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the first budget in ‘Amrit Kaal’ has established a strong base to fulfil the resolve of a developed India and dreams of the aspirational society, including the poor and the middle class.

    Presenting the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday raised the personal income tax rebate limit, doled out sops on small savings and announced one of the biggest hikes in capital spending in the past decade.

    In his first reaction to the Budget for the 2023-24 fiscal, Modi said in order to empower the middle class, the government has taken many significant decisions in the past years that have ensured ease of living.

    The prime minister underlined the potential of the middle class in realising the dreams of 2047.

    Modi also highlighted the reduction in tax rates as well as the simplification, transparency and speeding up of processes.

    “Our government that always stood with the middle class has given huge tax relief to them,” Modi said.

    The prime minister said the first budget in ‘Amrit Kaal’ has established a strong base to fulfil the aspirations and resolve of a developed India.

    He said this budget gives priority to the deprived and strives to fulfil the dreams of the aspirational society — the poor, villages and the middle class.

    The prime minister congratulated Sitharaman and her team for a “historic” budget.

    Modi called the traditional artisans such as carpenters, iron smiths, goldsmiths, potters, sculptors and many others as the creators of the nation.

    ALSO READ | Budget is ‘Anti-people’, ‘Amrit Kaal for PM Modi, not for people’: Oppn 

    “For the first time, the country has come up with many schemes as a tribute to the hard work and creation of these people. Arrangements have been made for training, credit and market support to them. PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, that is, PM ViKaS will bring a big change in the lives of crores of ‘Vishwakarmas’,” Modi said.

    He said for the women living in the cities to villages, employed to homemakers, the government has taken significant steps such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojna and PM Awas Yojana etc., that will further empower the welfare of women.

    He emphasized that miracles can be performed if women’s self-help groups, which is a sector with extreme potential, are further strengthened.

    Underlining that a new dimension has been added to women’s self-help groups in the new budget with the introduction of a special savings scheme, the prime minister said it will strengthen women especially the homemaker from common families.

    This budget, the prime minister said, will make cooperatives a fulcrum of the development of the rural economy. The government, he said, has come up with the world’s largest food storage scheme in the cooperative sector.

    An ambitious scheme to form new primary co-operatives has also been announced in the budget, Modi said. This will expand the area of milk and fish production along with farming, and farmers, animal husbandry and fishermen will get better prices for their produce, he said.

    Emphasizing the need to replicate the success of digital payments in the agriculture sector, the prime minister said this budget comes with a big plan for digital agriculture infrastructure.

    Noting that the world is celebrating the International Year of Millets, Modi said there are many types of millets in India with multiple names. The prime minister said special recognition of millet is necessary when it is reaching households all over the world.

    “This superfood has been given a new identity of ‘Shree-Anna’, Modi said, as he underlined that small farmers and tribal farmers of the country will get economic support.

    ALSO READ | Budget 2023: What’s costlier, what’s cheaper

    This budget, Modi said, will give an unprecedented expansion to green growth, green economy, green infrastructure, and green jobs, for a sustainable future.

    “In the budget, we have laid a lot of emphasis on technology and the new economy. Aspirational India of today wants modern infrastructure in every field like road, rail, metro, port, and waterways. Compared to 2014, investment in infrastructure has increased by more than 400 per cent,” Modi said.

    The prime minister said the unprecedented investment of Rs 10 lakh crores in infrastructure will give new energy and speed to India’s development.

    He asserted that these investments will create new employment opportunities for the youth, thereby providing new income opportunities to a large section of the population.

    In his remarks, the prime minister also touched upon the ease of doing business which is taken forward through the campaign of credit support and reforms for industries. “An additional loan guarantee of Rs 2 lakh crore has been arranged for MSMEs,” he said, noting that increasing the limit of presumptive tax will help MSMEs to grow.

    He also said a new arrangement has been made for timely payments by big companies to MSMEs.

    “I once again congratulate Nirmala ji and her entire team for this all-encompassing budget that would give speed to building a developed India,” Modi said.

    “In 2047, we will make a prosperous India, a capable India, a prosperous India in every way. Let us take this journey forward,” he added.

    NEW DELHI: Terming the Union budget “historic”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the first budget in ‘Amrit Kaal’ has established a strong base to fulfil the resolve of a developed India and dreams of the aspirational society, including the poor and the middle class.

    Presenting the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday raised the personal income tax rebate limit, doled out sops on small savings and announced one of the biggest hikes in capital spending in the past decade.

    In his first reaction to the Budget for the 2023-24 fiscal, Modi said in order to empower the middle class, the government has taken many significant decisions in the past years that have ensured ease of living.

    The prime minister underlined the potential of the middle class in realising the dreams of 2047.

    Modi also highlighted the reduction in tax rates as well as the simplification, transparency and speeding up of processes.

    “Our government that always stood with the middle class has given huge tax relief to them,” Modi said.

    The prime minister said the first budget in ‘Amrit Kaal’ has established a strong base to fulfil the aspirations and resolve of a developed India.

    He said this budget gives priority to the deprived and strives to fulfil the dreams of the aspirational society — the poor, villages and the middle class.

    The prime minister congratulated Sitharaman and her team for a “historic” budget.

    Modi called the traditional artisans such as carpenters, iron smiths, goldsmiths, potters, sculptors and many others as the creators of the nation.

    ALSO READ | Budget is ‘Anti-people’, ‘Amrit Kaal for PM Modi, not for people’: Oppn 

    “For the first time, the country has come up with many schemes as a tribute to the hard work and creation of these people. Arrangements have been made for training, credit and market support to them. PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman, that is, PM ViKaS will bring a big change in the lives of crores of ‘Vishwakarmas’,” Modi said.

    He said for the women living in the cities to villages, employed to homemakers, the government has taken significant steps such as Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojna and PM Awas Yojana etc., that will further empower the welfare of women.

    He emphasized that miracles can be performed if women’s self-help groups, which is a sector with extreme potential, are further strengthened.

    Underlining that a new dimension has been added to women’s self-help groups in the new budget with the introduction of a special savings scheme, the prime minister said it will strengthen women especially the homemaker from common families.

    This budget, the prime minister said, will make cooperatives a fulcrum of the development of the rural economy. The government, he said, has come up with the world’s largest food storage scheme in the cooperative sector.

    An ambitious scheme to form new primary co-operatives has also been announced in the budget, Modi said. This will expand the area of milk and fish production along with farming, and farmers, animal husbandry and fishermen will get better prices for their produce, he said.

    Emphasizing the need to replicate the success of digital payments in the agriculture sector, the prime minister said this budget comes with a big plan for digital agriculture infrastructure.

    Noting that the world is celebrating the International Year of Millets, Modi said there are many types of millets in India with multiple names. The prime minister said special recognition of millet is necessary when it is reaching households all over the world.

    “This superfood has been given a new identity of ‘Shree-Anna’, Modi said, as he underlined that small farmers and tribal farmers of the country will get economic support.

    ALSO READ | Budget 2023: What’s costlier, what’s cheaper

    This budget, Modi said, will give an unprecedented expansion to green growth, green economy, green infrastructure, and green jobs, for a sustainable future.

    “In the budget, we have laid a lot of emphasis on technology and the new economy. Aspirational India of today wants modern infrastructure in every field like road, rail, metro, port, and waterways. Compared to 2014, investment in infrastructure has increased by more than 400 per cent,” Modi said.

    The prime minister said the unprecedented investment of Rs 10 lakh crores in infrastructure will give new energy and speed to India’s development.

    He asserted that these investments will create new employment opportunities for the youth, thereby providing new income opportunities to a large section of the population.

    In his remarks, the prime minister also touched upon the ease of doing business which is taken forward through the campaign of credit support and reforms for industries. “An additional loan guarantee of Rs 2 lakh crore has been arranged for MSMEs,” he said, noting that increasing the limit of presumptive tax will help MSMEs to grow.

    He also said a new arrangement has been made for timely payments by big companies to MSMEs.

    “I once again congratulate Nirmala ji and her entire team for this all-encompassing budget that would give speed to building a developed India,” Modi said.

    “In 2047, we will make a prosperous India, a capable India, a prosperous India in every way. Let us take this journey forward,” he added.

  • Smoking to be costlier as Budget proposes 16 per cent hike on cigarette duty

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Smoking to become an expensive habit as the custom duty on cigarettes have been increased,  Taxes on cigarettes will be hiked by 16 per cent. The announcement was made at the Union budget presentation on Wednesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

    Shares of cigarette companies, including Godfrey Phillips India and ITC Ltd, plunged by up to 5 per cent on the BSE on Wednesday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a hike in taxes on cigarettes in the Union Budget.

    The stock of Godfrey Phillips slumped as much as 4.92 per cent to Rs 1,828.75 on the BSE, while Golden Tobacco declined 3.81 per cent to Rs 59.4.

    Shares of ITC were trading 0.78 per cent lower at Rs 349 on the bourse.

    NTC Industries dropped 1.4 per cent and VST Industries slipped 0.35 per cent.

    NEW DELHI: Smoking to become an expensive habit as the custom duty on cigarettes have been increased,  Taxes on cigarettes will be hiked by 16 per cent. The announcement was made at the Union budget presentation on Wednesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

    Shares of cigarette companies, including Godfrey Phillips India and ITC Ltd, plunged by up to 5 per cent on the BSE on Wednesday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a hike in taxes on cigarettes in the Union Budget.

    The stock of Godfrey Phillips slumped as much as 4.92 per cent to Rs 1,828.75 on the BSE, while Golden Tobacco declined 3.81 per cent to Rs 59.4.

    Shares of ITC were trading 0.78 per cent lower at Rs 349 on the bourse.

    NTC Industries dropped 1.4 per cent and VST Industries slipped 0.35 per cent.

  • Prez speech: Oppn says key issues remain unaddressed, call it BJP manifesto for 2024

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Tuesday criticised the President’s address alleging that the speech was like the “first chapter” of the ruling BJP’s manifesto for 2024 and key issues related to price control, communal harmony and women were “missing.”

    In her maiden address to the joint sitting of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said the country has a government that is “stable, fearless, decisive,” working for all classes without any discrimination and giving thrust to ‘virasat’ (heritage) as well as ‘vikas’ (development).

    Murmu spoke of the government’s relentless fight against corruption, the “biggest enemy of democracy and social justice.”

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said it is the “government’s statement that has come through the President” and there is nothing new in it.

    “If the government is claiming that the country has progressed so much, then why do the poor people of the country continue to suffer due to unemployment and high inflation,” he said and alleged that the schemes “renamed” by the Modi government are not reaching the poorest of the poor.

    Asked about the President talking about every Indian being confident and India emerging as a self-reliant, strong nation, touching new heights and emerging as a solution provider to the world under this government, he said, “I do not blame her, but it is Mr Modi whatever he told outside, she is saying so. If it is so, why is there so much inflation, so much unemployment, why the money value has gone down and why is there so much hike in petrol/diesel prices.”

    TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien said that while it is “convention” that the President’s address is “written” by the government of India, key issues were absent in her speech.

    “As is convention, President’s Address to both Houses of #Parliament is written by GoI. Any line in speech about controlling prices, creating jobs, strengthening (fiscal) federalism, promoting communal harmony, or passing Women’s Reservation Bill? Oh and 2 miserly lines about the North East,” said Brien.

    As is convention, President’s Address to both Houses of #Parliament is written by GoI.Any line in speech about controlling prices, creating jobs, strengthening (fiscal) federalism, promoting communal harmony, passing Women‘s Reservation Bill ? Oh & 2 miserly lines about the NE
    — Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) January 31, 2023
    CPI MP Binoy Viswam alleged the empowerment of women, youths, Dalits and tribals was only on paper.

    “The historic Central Hall witnessed the President’s address, maybe for the last time. Everything related to freedom struggle and Constitution are being dumped. The address seems to be the first chapter of the ruling party manifesto for 2024. Words are lovely; truths are not..!” he said on Twitter.

    “Pride of secularism is absent. Hindutva pride of RSS mould was the tone. Empowerment of women, youth, Tribes, Dalits only on paper. Environment and Subhash Bose mentioned. Nicobar is crying…,” the CPI MP said in a tweet.

    1.The historic Central Hall witnessed the President’s address, maybe for the last time. Every thing related to freedom struggle and constitution are being dumped.The address seems to be the first chapter of the ruling party manifesto for 2024.Words are lovely; truths are not..!
    — Binoy Viswam (@BinoyViswam1) January 31, 2023

    2.Pride of secularism is absent. Hindutva pride of RSS mold was the tone. Empowerment of women,youth, Tribes, Dalits only on paper. Environment and Subhash Bose mentioned.. Nicobar is crying…..
    — Binoy Viswam (@BinoyViswam1) January 31, 2023

    NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Tuesday criticised the President’s address alleging that the speech was like the “first chapter” of the ruling BJP’s manifesto for 2024 and key issues related to price control, communal harmony and women were “missing.”

    In her maiden address to the joint sitting of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said the country has a government that is “stable, fearless, decisive,” working for all classes without any discrimination and giving thrust to ‘virasat’ (heritage) as well as ‘vikas’ (development).

    Murmu spoke of the government’s relentless fight against corruption, the “biggest enemy of democracy and social justice.”

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said it is the “government’s statement that has come through the President” and there is nothing new in it.

    “If the government is claiming that the country has progressed so much, then why do the poor people of the country continue to suffer due to unemployment and high inflation,” he said and alleged that the schemes “renamed” by the Modi government are not reaching the poorest of the poor.

    Asked about the President talking about every Indian being confident and India emerging as a self-reliant, strong nation, touching new heights and emerging as a solution provider to the world under this government, he said, “I do not blame her, but it is Mr Modi whatever he told outside, she is saying so. If it is so, why is there so much inflation, so much unemployment, why the money value has gone down and why is there so much hike in petrol/diesel prices.”

    TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien said that while it is “convention” that the President’s address is “written” by the government of India, key issues were absent in her speech.

    “As is convention, President’s Address to both Houses of #Parliament is written by GoI. Any line in speech about controlling prices, creating jobs, strengthening (fiscal) federalism, promoting communal harmony, or passing Women’s Reservation Bill? Oh and 2 miserly lines about the North East,” said Brien.

    As is convention, President’s Address to both Houses of #Parliament is written by GoI.
    Any line in speech about controlling prices, creating jobs, strengthening (fiscal) federalism, promoting communal harmony, passing Women‘s Reservation Bill ? Oh & 2 miserly lines about the NE
    — Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) January 31, 2023
    CPI MP Binoy Viswam alleged the empowerment of women, youths, Dalits and tribals was only on paper.

    “The historic Central Hall witnessed the President’s address, maybe for the last time. Everything related to freedom struggle and Constitution are being dumped. The address seems to be the first chapter of the ruling party manifesto for 2024. Words are lovely; truths are not..!” he said on Twitter.

    “Pride of secularism is absent. Hindutva pride of RSS mould was the tone. Empowerment of women, youth, Tribes, Dalits only on paper. Environment and Subhash Bose mentioned. Nicobar is crying…,” the CPI MP said in a tweet.

    1.The historic Central Hall witnessed the President’s address, maybe for the last time. Every thing related to freedom struggle and constitution are being dumped.
    The address seems to be the first chapter of the ruling party manifesto for 2024.Words are lovely; truths are not..!
    — Binoy Viswam (@BinoyViswam1) January 31, 2023

    2.Pride of secularism is absent. Hindutva pride of RSS mold was the tone. Empowerment of women,youth, Tribes, Dalits only on paper. Environment and Subhash Bose mentioned.. Nicobar is crying…..
    — Binoy Viswam (@BinoyViswam1) January 31, 2023