Like other citizens, the union budget was keenly awaited by defence personnel in Bangalore. However Pranab Mukherjee has left them a tad bit disappointed. According to them, this is not ‘an aam aadmi’s budget.’
Col NC Sharma, commanding officer, Military Dental Centre, MEG and his family gave the budget a score of five out of ten.
“On one hand, I’m happy that with the pension raise for armymen below the rank of officer. But, prices of daily commodities has increased so much that it will be a burden on the pocket. People’s purchasing power has reduced, thus inconveniencing them,” he said.
Sharma said that the government’s decision to increase the pension of some, while ignoring others has saddened many. “The increase in pension money for some and the separate pay commission are welcome moves, but it would have been better if all officers were included in the net. These decisions should have been taken earlier,” he said.
He felt more exemptions should have been offered to the middle class and the tax slab should have been further increased.
“The daily price of basic commodities like pulses has increased, which is just the opposite of what the aam aadmi expected,” said Namita Sharma, homemaker and wife of the colonel. They felt that the government had very cleverly hiked fuel rates just before announcing the budget. With this increase, the cost of all commodities will rise further, the family opined.
The couple, who has two daughters, Mrigya (16) and Shivangi (11), said that the fact that educational loans are more easily available is definitely welcome; but as tuition fee, education fee and other expenses continue to remain high, it will hardly be a relief for parents.
When it comes to the repayment of loans, it’s going to be a tough time for people. The interest rate has been hiked, much to people’s disappointment.
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