Dharia finds budget lacking on many issues

PUNE, Feb 28: Former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission Mohan Dharia has observed that Finance Minister Yeshvant Sinha had not made serious efforts to mobilise maximum internal resources, repay debts and stablise the economy.

In a press statement, Dharia has welcomed the programme for watershed development in 100 districts. He, however, has said the serious issues of developing massive wastelands, providing employment to rural population, eradication of illiteracy, population control and protection of environment had not found place in the budget.

Former Lok Sabha member Anna Joshi has described the budget as balanced and realistic and has said it would boost housing sector, infrastructure development, small scale industries. Joshi has said price rise would be brought under control since sincere efforts were being made to reduce the fiscal deficit.

Pune City District Congress Committee president Mohan Joshi has expressed fear that the common people would have to face price rise due to the budget. He said budget had proposed any steps to come out the recession.