Budget belies expectations of various sections

BENGALURU: While various sections of society had pinned their hopes on the Congress government’s budget to address their concerns, they have been left disappointed as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chose to focus more on channeling funds for the implementataion of the party’s pre-poll guarantees.

State government employees have been pushing for scrapping of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and bringing back the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). They have also been insisting on setting up the 7th Pay Commission, but the budget has not touched upon both aspects.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Finance secretary Ateeq Ahmed and other officials before presenting the budget

Anganwadi workers and assistants had launched a protest to demand a hike in wages and they were hoping that their concerns will be addressed in the budget, but it was not to be so. Also, beneficiaries of old age pension, widow pension and disability pension, who were expecting a hike, have been left disappointed.

There was expectation a pension scheme or health insurance cover for retired teachers of aided schools. Also, autorickshaw drivers, who say they have been badly affected ever since the implementation of the Shakti free bus travel scheme for women, had demanded the government to provide them some monthly assistance to tide over the loss in daily earning. However, the budget has has not addressed any of these issues.