Union Budget Reaction: Mixed Reviews from Different Sectors in Uttar Pradesh

The Union Budget received mixed responses in Uttar Pradesh. While the MSME sector welcomed the reforms, others criticized it for neglecting the poor and farmers. The budget was also seen as disappointing for the working class, teachers, and energy sector, though internships for youth were appreciated.

The Union Budget evoked a mixed response in Uttar Pradesh, attracting both praise and criticism. While the MSME sector lauded the budget for its banking reforms, others argued that it offered little for the poor and farmers.

Neeraj Singhal, president of Indian Industries Association, welcomed the budget, particularly its MSME-focused banking reforms, skill development, and employment measures. This, he stated, would provide significant relief and a boost to the sector.

However, Shekhar Dixit, president of Rashtriya Kisan Manch, criticized the budget for failing to address the needs of the majority of poor people and farmers, calling it a pro-industrialist budget. Similar sentiments were echoed by Shailendra Dubey of the All India Power Engineers Federation, who found the budget disappointing for the working class, teachers, and the energy sector.

Tax lawyer Ashish Kumar Tripathi noted contradictions between economic and political priorities, mentioning that tax relief expectations for the middle class were not met. However, he praised the government’s ambitious internship scheme aimed at providing opportunities for 1 crore youth over the next five years.

Under the scheme, youth will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 and a one-time assistance of Rs 6,000, gaining exposure to various professions. The training costs will be borne by the companies from their CSR funds.