The interim budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has elicited diverse responses in Jammu and Kashmir, with the BJP praising it as “people-friendly” and the opposition National Conference expressing disappointment.
BJP’s J-K spokesperson Altaf Thakur hailed the budget as beneficial for the development of Kashmir. He specifically lauded the provision of interest-free loans, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize Kashmir’s tourism industry. Thakur also commended the allocations for Anganwari and ASHA workers, as well as the announcements related to youth welfare and employment. However, National Conference spokesperson, Sheikh Bashir conveyed disappointment, stating that the budget did not address concerns such as inflation and job creation. He expressed skepticism about the government’s handling of economic challenges, emphasizing the need for measures that directly impact the common man and alleviate their hardships.
Shifali Bajala, a housewife, welcomed the budget’s women-centric announcements and encouraged women to seize the opportunities presented. The Women and Child Development Ministry received an allocation of Rs 26,000 crore in 2024-25, reflecting a 2.52 percent increase from the previous budget.
Meanwhile, Indu Bhushan, vice-president of the Apsra Road Traders Association, Jammu expressed satisfaction, says but we are expacting Finance Minister to increase tax slab in full budget. He hoped for future changes post-elections.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s presentation included no changes in income tax rates for individuals and corporates, as well as customs duty. The budget focused on a capital expenditure of Rs 11.11 lakh crore for 2024-25, aiming to trim the fiscal deficit to 5.8 percent for the current financial year and further reduce it to 5.1 percent in the next fiscal.