Brinda Karat criticises Union Budget over farmers issue

Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) leader Brinda Karat on Friday took a dig at the Centre after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that it already implemented the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission.

"The budget is, in fact, a mockery to the farmers because only a few months back the government in writing had informed the Supreme Court that it is not in a position to implement the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission but now Jaitley claims to have already implemented it," Brinda told ANI.

On the contrary, she stated that the Centre has increased indirect taxes on the common people.

"The privilege motion should be brought against the Finance Minister who had spoken untrue in the floor of the house for claiming that as far as the Rabi crop is concerned, the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission have already been implemented," she added.

The CPI (M) leader alleged that the finance minister was misguiding the Parliament and the people of the nation by claiming that a minimum support price for the crop produced by the farmers was provided.

She also questioned the government on the health insurance assurance as stated in the budget, under which Rs 5,00,000 health insurance cover will be provided 100 million families per year.