Chennai, Feb 14 (IANS): The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President M.K. Stalin on Friday said the 2020-21 Tamil Nadu budget lacks any long-term plans or programmes.

Talking to reporters, Stalin said the budget does not have any long-term plans. It has burdened each citizen with about Rs. 57,000 of debt.

Deputy Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam who also handles the finance portfolio while presenting the state budget for next fiscal said a sum of Rs. 59,209.30 crore will be raised as net debt to finance the fiscal deficit.

He said the net outstanding debt as at the end of 31.3.2021 is expected at Rs.4,56,660.99 crore and debt to GSDP ratio will be 21.83 per cent which is well within the norm of 25 per cent.

Expressing a similar view AMMK leader T.T.V.Dhinakaran said the budget is like a painting in the air.

Reacting to the budget, MDMK leader Vaiko also said running up a huge debt is the only achievement of the AIADMK government.

The Tamil Nadu Congress President K.S. Alagiri too criticised the budget as lacking in: long term plans, announcement on job creation and others.