Budget Aligns with State Reorganisation Act Commitments, Says Union Minister Puri

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri refuted claims that the Union budget favoured Andhra Pradesh, asserting it merely honoured commitments made under the State Reorganisation Act, enacted during a Congress regime. Speaking at a Gujarat BJP press conference on the budget, Puri addressed these allegations.

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Puri responded to questions about the opposition's claim that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget primarily benefited Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, states governed by BJP allies JDU and TDP. He stated, "Ask them who signed the State Reorganisation Act....It was the Congress government. It is your commitment. We are fulfilling your commitment." The 2014 Act split Andhra Pradesh, creating Telangana.

Budget Benefits Across States

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 1 lakh crore-worth projects for Maharashtra during his Mumbai visit, including a Rs 76,000 crore port project expected to generate 10 lakh jobs, Puri noted. The budget also aimed at Purvoday, or the rise of the east, benefiting West Bengal and Odisha alongside Bihar.

Puri highlighted that Rs 10,000 crore were allocated to Himachal Pradesh for disaster mitigation. He emphasised that the budget was well-rounded and appreciated by various societal sections. "I am not saying this because I am a BJP worker and Modi's team member. From any angle, it is a first-class budget....We assess the budget in totality. And I am very happy that this budget has been well-received by all sections of society," he said.

Gujarat's Financial Gains

Gujarat saw significant financial benefits with its budgetary tax devolution increasing from Rs 59,981 crore during 2004-14 to Rs 2,32,098 crore, marking a 287 percent rise. Grants-in-aid also surged from Rs 42,865 crore to Rs 1,88,487 crore in the same period, a 340 percent increase. Special assistance for Gujarat's capital investment stood at Rs 10,930 crore.

Puri mentioned India's GDP turnover reaching USD 4 trillion and cited the International Monetary Fund's projection that India would become the world's third-largest economy by 2027. He also pointed out that petrol and diesel prices in India are among the lowest globally due to reduced central excise duty by PM Modi and VAT cuts by BJP-ruled states.

Green Transition and Youth Focus

The minister highlighted India's progress in biofuel blending under Modi's leadership. "Availability, affordability and sustainability --green transition ... When Modi came to power, biofuel blending was 1.4 percent, and today it stands at 15 percent. We aim to achieve the target of 20 percent blending by 2025 instead of 2030," he said.

The budget also prioritises youth employment and skill development. Schemes announced by the finance minister aim to provide jobs to 4 crore youth and internships to one crore individuals. The detailed plans for these initiatives are currently being developed.

The Union budget reflects a comprehensive approach addressing various sectors and regions across India while fulfilling previous commitments and setting future goals for economic growth and sustainability.