‘Union Budget should focus on youths, jobs & student loans’

Ranchi: Ahead of the Union Budget on Wednesday, Ranchiites from across different age groups and sectors are pinning hopes on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to tame inflation, improve the ease of living, generate jobs and create livelihood means among others.
When TOI spoke to the aam aadmi on the eve of the Budget, most of them were positive about the bid day and said they are expecting outcomes to change their lives for the better.
Among the youths, the expectations are high. For 25-year-old Sourav Kumar, simplifying the loan application process for employment and livelihood should be the focus of this year’s budget. “When there is talk of youth on every platform, the Budget should also be dedicated to the youth. Provisions should be made in the policy as well as in the Budget for appointments in all sectors. The regulations governing the loan facilities for employment and starting up businesses should be simplified,” he said.
Neha Sharma, a student of chartered accountancy, said she is expecting a reduction in the interest on education loans and tuition fees. She said, “With inflation, the interest rate for the education loan has also increased. I am looking for a reduction in the interest of this loan so that even students from middle-class families can pursue a better career.”
The owner of a prominent eatery, Kunwar Bhatia, said the plastic ban has increased the cost of food packaging and the food business everywhere. “After the ban on plastics, the price of paper, which is used for packaging, has risen. We hope a drop in the price of paper in this Budget to help the food sector,” he said.
In the transport sector, the stakeholders are hoping for an ease in the fuel price. Dinesh Soni, the founder of the Jharkhand Pradesh Diesel Auto Chalak Mahasang (JPDAM), said, “We want the government to bring out a Budget that is favourable to us and to assist those who are not financially secure. We need a decrease in the price of fuel to generate earnings for our monthly living expenses. The Budget should also be favourable to the labourers and daily wagers as they also suffer greatly from the inflation.”
Meanwhile, senior citizens are expecting an increase in their regular benefits like the old-age pension.
Bimal Kishor Pandey, a retired government employee, said, “We expect the pension amount to be increased and it should be included in the upcoming budget. Additionally, the aged people should have access to free healthcare facilities and a basic income tax exemption.”