Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jul 3: State minister of food and civil supplies, U T Khader lambasted the prime minister Narendra Modi-led central government for utterly failing to introduce people-friendly schemes during their three years term at the centre.

Addressing the media here on Sunday, July 2, he said, "The central government has only deluded people with their speeches and so far has no people-friendly schemes introduced for the poor or deprived. Central government introduced Goods and Service Tax (GST) will also bring trouble to people as prices will increase. What was the necessity for them to ostentatiously launch GST in the parliament at midnight? The UPA government introduced several acts which were very useful to people including Right To Information, Right To Education and Right to Food. NREGA was also introduced where employment was ensured and wages increased for the labourers."

Breaking the Hype

He further said, "The Goods and Service Tax was introduced with the catchline 'one nation one tax'. But in reality, one can never call it that. There is much variation in the tax structure, so it can be never called as one nation one tax. Besides, petroleum, excise, customs have been omitted from GST. There were in a hurry to introduce GST and misguide people with the tag line one nation one tax. What was the necessity to over publicise GST and enforce it during midnight? It is nothing but just another taxation policy.

"GST will further burden people. During their three years of term, they have not introduced any people-friendly schemes. The centre does not have any concern towards farmers, unemployed youth, and the education sector. They are have just deluded people with their speeches," he said.

Further speaking on the fine economic performance of the UPA, he said, "The 1991 economic reforms were introduced under the aegis of Dr Manmohan Singh. During the 2006-07, budget P Chidambaram, minister of finance of the UPA II proposed implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and passed the amendment bill in 2012, seeking to introduce GST. Yet, the BJP opposed the Goods Service Tax then, causing a delay of five years."

When asked why he did not oppose GST, Khader said, "UPA ourselves had proposed it in 2006, and cannot oppose it. Just because BJP has finally launched it, we cannot oppose it. It is a mark of progressive minds. If we start objecting just for the sake of opposition, there will be no difference between the two parties."

Indira Canteen

Regarding the launch of Indira canteen, minister Khader informed, "Chief minister Siddaramaiah will launch the canteen on August 15 in 198 centres within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike. Indira Canteen will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner at subsidised rates. Breakfast will cost Rs 5, and meals will be priced at Rs 10. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has identified the places for Indira canteen and I will be one among the committee members along with KJ George for the programme."