Rajasthan LoP Critiques Budget as Heavy Burden on Residents
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Synopsis
On February 19, Rajasthan's LoP Tika Ram Jully condemned the state budget, labeling it a burden on the populace. He highlighted the government's poor financial management, escalating debt levels, and lack of measures to address inflation, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Jully brands the budget a burden on residents.
- Rajasthan's debt expected to exceed Rs 7.25 lakh crore.
- Inflation relief measures are notably absent.
- Criticism of BJP's political credit-seeking behavior.
- Questioning the effectiveness of proposed economic task force.
Jaipur, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tika Ram Jully sharply criticized the state government regarding the budget, branding it a ‘burden on the citizens’. He emphasized that the government’s financial management has been inadequate, as evidenced by the details within the budget.
“This budget will only exacerbate Rajasthan’s debt burden. The previous budget estimated revenue receipts at Rs 2.65 lakh crore, but the actual revenue collected was merely Rs 2.62 lakh crore, despite increased assistance from the central government,” he stated.
Jully highlighted that for the fiscal year 2024-25, the revenue expenditure target was set at Rs 3,34,796 crore, yet only Rs 2,94,557 crore was expended.
“The revenue deficit, initially projected at Rs 25,758 crore, has ballooned to nearly Rs 32,000 crore. Additionally, the fiscal deficit has surpassed Rs 70,000 crore and is forecasted to reach Rs 84,643 crore by 2025-26,” he remarked.
Jully also cautioned that under the BJP administration, Rajasthan’s debt is on a continual rise, anticipated to exceed Rs 7.25 lakh crore, imposing a debt of Rs 1 lakh per inhabitant.
He criticized BJP leaders for taking ‘political credit’ and pointed fingers at Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for excluding the Finance Minister from the post-budget press conference.
He recalled that last year, the Chief Minister neglected to include the Finance Minister in pre and post-budget discussions. “She was present this time but was not permitted to speak, showcasing the BJP’s intent on claiming credit,” he added.
Jully raised alarms about inflation, indicating that the budget lacked strategies to combat the rising costs.
He reminded that in 2023-24, the previous government unveiled an inflation relief package worth Rs 19,000 crore, whereas this time, inflation wasn’t even addressed.
He noted that the government had previously declared a five-year action plan with ten resolutions, yet none were mentioned in this budget.
Jully accused the BJP of failing to fulfill its manifesto commitments.
The LoP further stated that in the last budget response, the Chief Minister asserted that 50 percent of promises had been met, while the Finance Minister now claims 58 percent, suggesting a mere 8 percent improvement over the year.
He also questioned the establishment of the Rajasthan Economic Revival Task Force, which was announced in the last budget and constituted in October 2024 under the Chief Minister’s guidance.
He challenged the government to reveal if a single meeting of the task force had convened since its inception, dubbing it further proof of the BJP's inadequate financial management.
