Budget 2024: Ahead of the presentation of the interim Union Budget 2024 by Minister of Finance Nimala Sitharaman on February 1, the Congress party has raised serious allegations against the BJP-led central government, asserting that it surrendered a staggering Rs one lakh crores from the agriculture budget over the past five years.The party, citing a report from the Standing Committee, accused the government of deliberately withholding benefits from the farmers.Budget Allocation Slashed and UnspentDuring a press conference in New Delhi, Deepender Singh Hooda, Congress spokesperson and MP, revealed that not only did the BJP government consistently decrease the budget allocation for the agriculture sector, but the allocated funds were not fully utilized. According to Hooda, the budget allocation for agriculture has diminished from 4.4 percent to a mere 2.5 percent in the last four years.Missed Opportunities for Farmer ReliefHooda emphasized that the Rs one lakh crores, if properly allocated, could have been utilised to provide relief to debt-ridden farmers. He expressed concern that this substantial amount might have intentionally remained unspent, redirecting the funds towards the debt waiver of major corporate entities.Unfulfilled Promises and Anti-farmer PoliciesThe Congress spokesperson accused the Modi government of being overtly anti-farmer, highlighting that promises made to protesting farmers two years ago remained unfulfilled. He pointed out the absence of a fixed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops and the lack of a legal guarantee. Cases against farmers were not withdrawn, and families of those who lost their lives during protests were left without compensation.Comparisons with Previous GovernmentsDrawing comparisons between the UPA-led Congress government and the current BJP-led NDA government, Hooda pointed out significant differences in MSP increases. While the UPA saw a 119 percent increase in wheat MSP and a 134 percent increase in paddy MSP, the NDAs tenure witnessed only a 47 percent and 50 percent increase, respectively.Failed Commitment on Doubling Farmers IncomeHooda criticized the BJP for failing to fulfill its commitment to double farmers income, asserting that farmers income has been reduced by more than half since 2015 when the BJP assumed power. Quoting NSSO figures, he revealed a decline from Rs 22,000 to Rs 10,200 per month in farmers average income.Government Bias and Inconsistent PoliciesAccusing the government of bias against farmers, Hooda highlighted the ban on wheat exports despite international conditions favouring such exports. In contrast, he noted the governments swift and norm-flouting decisions to allow agricultural imports, adversely impacting the interests of Indian farmers.The allegations by the Congress further intensify the ongoing debate on the governments commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in India.
