Cong points out new lapses in ‘old budget’

The Congress found ‘‘nothing new’’ in the interim budget and said the government had sidestepped crucial issues, among them unemployment and problems of the middle class and farmers. It also dismissed the Finance Minister’s claims of a reduction of fiscal and revenue deficits, saying the good monsoon was the only reason for the GDP growth.

‘‘The failure to raise the income tax limit has diluted the merger of 50 per cent Dearness Allowance with the basic salary,’’ Congress chief spokesperson Jaipal Reddy said. On the loans to farmers at nine per cent interest, Reddy said: ‘‘This offer is intellectually dishonest because there is no mechanism to offer loan at this rate.’’

The party added that it would be moving cut motions against the proposals.