The Rajya Sabha today resumed discussion on the General Budget 2024-25. Participating in the discussion, HD Devegowda of JD(S) said the time may have come to reinvest instead of disinvestment and develop a new model of growth and job creation. He said disinvestment has created a lot of problems. He also mentioned that Bengaluru city is going through a drinking water crisis and urged the government to solve the problem.

Rajeev Shukla of Congress said the infrastructure and strength of the High Courts and Supreme Court should be increased. He said the MSME sector is struggling under GST regime. He said the MSME sector is directly linked to employment and the matter should be looked into.

Saket Gokhale of Trinamool Congress alleged that the Finance Minister has presented a rosy picture of the nation’s economy. He criticised the government for not conducting Census which was supposed to be done in 2021. He said the government has been unable to control food inflation and highlighted that 18 percent GST on medical insurance premium is adding to the woes of common people.

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena said the Budget has no provisions for farmers, unemployed, and youth. He stressed that around 50 percent farmers of the nation are reeling under debt.

Sanjay Kumar Jha of JD(U) thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for bringing a growth-oriented Budget which will empower the youth, women and the poor. He thanked the Centre for special assistance to Bihar.

Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi of BJP said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India’s contribution to global GDP is fifteen percent. He said India is now a bright spot among the global economies.  

Abdul Wahab of IUML, Imran Pratapgarhi of Congress, and BJP’s Lahar Singh Siroya were among those who participated in the debate.

The discussion remained inconclusive. Later, the Rajya Sabha took up Special Mentions following which it was adjourned for the day.