Hardeep Singh Puri reacts to Congress claims on Budget

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweets: "Some members of Congress Party have suggested that the Congress introduced the idea of the employment schemes that were proposed in the Union Budget 2024-25 by FM Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday. They have latched onto the phrase “employment-linked incentive” and concluded that what the Congress proposed in its so-called Nyay Patra and what the NDA government will deliver are one and the same. The Congress’ proposal was a vaguely worded statement of employment linked incentives for corporates to avail tax credits against additional employment.

"In comparison, the NDA government has proposed an extensive incentive framework funded a government outlay and linked to enrolment and continued contribution to the EPFO, from first-time employees (Scheme 1) to the labour-intensive manufacturing industry (Scheme 2) to additional employment in all sectors (Scheme 3). Just the scope of Scheme 3 alone dwarfs what the Congress had proposed in its so-called Nyay Patra. More pertinently, these three schemes are backed by a comprehensive skilling programme where 20 lakh youth will be provided outcome-oriented skill training over five years, in alignment with industry needs. Over 4.1 crore jobs will be generated over the next 5 years & Rs.2 lakh crore will be spent on employment, education & skilling.

"Lastly, one also needs to take into account the “ability to deliver”. The Congress is known for the trifecta of corruption, dynastic politics, and failing to deliver on its promises (which, admittedly, are so fanciful when proposed that they belie common sense and fiscal prudence). In stark contrast, the Modi-led government has an enviable track record of delivery, as demonstrated in the slew of welfare delivery schemes that have achieved saturation or near saturation across all aspects of basic infrastructure and services.

"Their claim to this idea is like claiming credit for actual poverty alleviation by PM Narendra Modi, just because they coined a term “Garibi Hatao”.

"Congress can only claim credit for creating and perpetuating the problems we are now trying to solve, i.e. keeping our citizens poor and without access to basic employment and skills for over 65 years!"