In his Parliament address, Anwar highlighted issues like falling Rupee, unemployment and accused government of misleading public with manipulated data
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Congress Lok Sabha member Tariq Anwar has raised serious concerns regarding the Indian economy, questioning the government’s claims of poverty reduction while highlighting key economic indicators that contradict these assertions. Speaking in Parliament, Anwar criticised the Modi government’s handling of economic policies and accused it of misleading the public with manipulated statistics.
In his address, Anwar challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statement that 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade. “If poverty has really reduced in the country, why has consumption and demand not increased?” he asked.
Anwar further pointed out that despite the government’s claim that only 150 million people remain poor, 800 million citizens continue to rely on free ration schemes. “If poverty has really decreased, why are international organisations like the World Bank and the IMF not accepting the claims of NITI Aayog?” he questioned, adding that the criteria for measuring poverty have been altered to fit the government’s narrative.
Another significant concern raised by Anwar was the falling value of the Indian rupee. “The rupee has reached ‘Patal’ at this time. Does the Modi government have any plan to bring it back?” he asked. Anwar argued that economic mismanagement has led to a situation where GDP growth is declining, household savings are at a 50-year low, and non-payment of bank loans has risen by 30%.
“People are exhausting their savings and are forced to mortgage even their jewellery,” he added, emphasising that the government’s economic policies have failed to instil financial security among citizens.
Anwar accused the government of using the budget to distract the public rather than addressing fundamental economic problems. “Like every year, this time too the government is trying to entangle us in the net of statistics, which is very sad and worrying,” he said.
He particularly highlighted Bihar’s continued neglect, stating that despite multiple mentions of Bihar in the budget, no concrete financial assistance has been provided. “The promise of giving special status to Bihar has not been fulfilled yet. Bihar only received verbal sums of money, while in practice, no special package or fund has been announced.”
Anwar also noted the establishment of a Makhana Board for Bihar but criticised the lack of clarity regarding financial support for it.
Farmers remain a critical concern, according to Anwar. He pointed out that while the agriculture budget has seen a minor increase, rural development funds have been slashed, and MGNREGA’s budget has not been raised. “Farmers are still waiting for the legal guarantee of MSP,” he remarked, calling the government’s approach towards farmers insufficient.
Tariq Anwar lambasted the government’s failure to create jobs, citing the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme as an example. “It was promised that one crore youth would receive internships in five years, but the reality is that only 2,811 people were given internships in one year.”
On investment, he accused the government of discouraging investors through the misuse of agencies like the CBI and ED, political vendettas, and stringent tax policies. “The burden of GST has been increased on the common man. Heavy taxes are being imposed on flour, curd, medicines, education, popcorn, and even old cars. In these circumstances, how and on what basis can anyone invest?”
Concluding his address, Anwar urged the government to prioritise real economic reforms over publicity campaigns. “This government only believes in publicity and empty claims. I appeal to the government to stop publicity and focus on the real problems of the country’s economy, farmers, youth, and the poor.”
As the government continues to defend its economic policies, Anwar’s speech has sparked a fresh debate over the true state of India’s economy, with opposition parties rallying behind his concerns while government officials maintain that their economic roadmap is on the right track.