Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)

Udupi, Jan 30: Welcome to the special episode of union budget 2021. Counting of days has begun for the presentation of the union budget for the fiscal 2020-21. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman is going to present the budget on February 1.

This is the first budget that is being presented after the coronavirus pandemic. Citizens of the country have lots of expectations. All are curious to know the facilities that are given to various sectors.

Nanda Kishore

Krishnarao-Kodancha

Ravindra Gujjarbettu

Airody Sahana Sheela Pai

Sankenth

Jayaram Shetty

Mohiddin

Vishu Shetty Ambalpady

The budget session of parliament will be held from January 29 to April 8. It will take place in two parts. First will be from January 29 to February 15, while the second will be from March 8 to April 8.

Lockdown which was imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic has caused a lot of impact on the economy of the country. In addition, the common man is devastated because of natural disasters, floods, due to which most of the crops are lost. Numerous people have lost their jobs. Companies and manufacturing factories that were just making progress before the pandemic, have shut down. So the budget of this time has to give equal priority to all the sections of society.

Daijiworld Media sought the public opinion on union budget 2021. Following are the excerpts of the same.

Dr Nanda Kishore, HOD and assistant professor, Geo politics section says, "I expect the union budget 2021 to be pro-people. India is spending only 1.3% of GDP on health sector. If compared to OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, this is very meagre. At least 4.3% of GDP should be reserved for the health sector. The income earned by commoners is going towards paying income tax. So rebate is required under 80c. There are no investors for the country to become self-reliant. So the package should be encouraging."

Krishna Rao Kodancha, president, Chamber of commerce and industry, Udupi says, "India is just recovering from the Covid shock. Many service sectors have faced difficulties. They all have to get compensation. 'Best Before' (with expiry shelf life) goods have not sold during lockdown. This has caused loss to us. Last year the production and sales stopped for eight to 10 months. Due to this the load of bad debts will be little less."

Ravindra Gujjarabettu, farmers' association opines, "Last year's announcement made by the government to waive off farm loans is still pending. First let them complete their promise. Reduce fuel price for agriculturists. Keep MSP (Minimum Support Price) as such. Whenever you take decision or plan related to agriculture take the opinion of farmers' associations first."

Irodi Shahansheela Pai, president, traders' association Udupi says, "Farmers and fishermen are the backbone of this country. They should be encouraged. In addition, the government is neglecting the interests of the traders. The Union government has to give attention towards this."

Sanket, a citizen of Udupi, opines, "Due to lockdown many companies and factories have reduced manpower. Youth job aspirants have many expectations from this budget. Encouragement should be given to self-employment also."

Jayaram Shetty, progressive farmer says, "Farmers who lost their crops due to natural disasters have not yet received compensation. APMC is still not open in many places. New package has to be announced for young farmers."

Mohiuddin, bus driver, opines, "The price of diesel and petrol is rising every day. It is difficult to operate goods and passenger vehicles. On the other hand tax is also increasing. Toll fee is also increased. All this has to be curtailed. We have lots of expectations."

Vishu Shetty, Ambalpady, social worker, opines, "Decisions have to be taken in parliament sessions taking into consideration public interest. Special package is required for women, destitute and psychologically ill people. Countless orphans are on the streets. Special plan needs to be formed to prevent atrocities on women."

When we look at the undivided district of Dakshina Kannada, the hindrance that strikes is a government medical college. Though there are private colleges, demand for government medical colleges is a long standing demand of the public. If we take only the district of Udupi, airport construction at Byndoor, Marina Beach development at Padukere, which is already proposed and rejuvenation of Brahmavar Sugar factory which is the hope of sugarcane farmers. Also a separate fishing policy is required for the coastal region.

Forthcoming state government budget relies on the union budget. Every Indian is expecting a pro-people budget, for India which is just recovering from economical slow down, that will fulfil the expectations of all classes of people.