The Interim Budget for 2014-15 presented by Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram sounds more political and electoral than one addressing the basic issues and problems of the country, said Mr. Nusrat Ali, Secretary General Jamaat-e-Islami Hind in a press statement on 19 February. He further added that the budget has lowered excise duty on cars but has not given required heed on social sectors like education and health. The Jamaat leader, however, welcomed the provision to help education loan borrowers.
“In a budget of Rs 11,67,131 crore, the amount allocated for education is too little. The government must spare at least 8 per cent of the GDP for education,” demanded Mr. Ali. He also demanded allocation of at least 5 per cent of GDP for health which is near 3 per cent at present. He also hailed the new initiative of the government for economic development of the Scheduled Castes.