CPI denounces Budget
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 13 2023:
The Manipur State Council Communist Party of India (MSC-CPI) staged a protest demonstration in front of Irawat Bhawan today demanding a probe into the Adani-Hindenberg issue and against Budget 2023 .
Assistant secretary CPI M Joykumar Luwang, former secretary L Sotinkumar, State secretary CPI L Thoiren, assistant secretary N Singhajit among others took part in the protest.
Speaking during the demonstration, M Joykumar said the Budget 2023 is anti-poor and the massive burden of deficit incurred as a result of the Budget would fall on the poor rather than the rich.
As per the Budget 2023-2024, the total spending is estimated at around Rs 45 lakh crore while revenue income is estimated to be around Rs 27 lakh crore only resulting in a deficit of around Rs 18 lakh crore.
Hence, the Rs 55 lakh crore deficit in 2014 will now become Rs 150 lakh crore in 2013, which is huge.
However, as the taxes on the rich have not been increased, the poor and the common people will now be forced to bear the burden of the deficit.
Former secretary L Sotinkumar said, India which is 109th among 121 countries in the Global Hunger Index has cut food subsidies by 31 per cent.
"Subsidy in NFSA (National Food Security Act) has been cut by 17 percent, Mid-Day Meal by 9.4 percent and the Nutrient Budget by 38 percent" .
While Covid pandemic had affected the people worst, the amount earmarked for Ayushman Bharat Scheme has been cut by 34 percent, National Health Mission by 1 percent, he said.
Also, the Budget has no relief for Anganwadi workers, helpers, ASHA workers, Mid-day meal workers, children and girl students and health-workers, he added.
While criticising the Budget, the party members and leaders also demanded a probe into the Adani issue.
Similar protests were also held across the State at the party's branch offices.