Budget – Derek O’Brien Flags Rural, Jobs and Savings Concerns
Budget – Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Derek O’Brien on Thursday criticised the Union Government’s approach during the ongoing discussion on the Union Budget, arguing that key economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens were being overlooked. Participating in the debate in Parliament, he cited issues ranging from limited rural internet access to unemployment and shrinking household savings.
Questions Raised Over Digital Access in Rural India
O’Brien drew attention to what he described as a significant digital divide in rural India. According to him, nearly half of the rural population lacks reliable internet connectivity. In that context, he questioned the practicality of mandating online processes for beneficiaries of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
He noted that workers under the scheme are increasingly required to mark attendance digitally, use mobile applications, link bank accounts and complete electronic Know Your Customer procedures to receive wages. Without stable internet access, he argued, these requirements create hurdles rather than improve transparency or efficiency.
The MP said the government must consider on-the-ground realities before implementing technology-driven systems in areas where digital infrastructure remains patchy.
Concerns Over Income Levels and Household Savings
Turning to the condition of the middle class and lower-income groups, O’Brien presented figures to underline financial strain among households. He claimed that a large majority of Indians earn less than Rs 171 per day, suggesting that income growth has not kept pace with rising living costs.
He also pointed to a decline in net household savings, stating that savings levels have fallen to their lowest point in five decades. According to him, reduced savings reflect growing financial pressure on families coping with inflation, education expenses and healthcare costs.
While the government has highlighted macroeconomic growth indicators, O’Brien argued that aggregate figures do not always capture the economic stress experienced by individual households.
Employment and Vacancies in Public Sector
On the issue of unemployment, the TMC leader said that a significant section of the country’s youth is neither in education, employment nor training. He described the situation as worrying, particularly at a time when India has one of the world’s youngest populations.
He further alleged that around a quarter of sanctioned posts in government departments remain unfilled. Filling these vacancies, he suggested, could provide immediate employment opportunities and improve public service delivery.
Referring to his home state of West Bengal, O’Brien acknowledged that it does not have the lowest unemployment rate in the country but maintained that it ranks among the better-performing states on that front. He said this comparison was meant to show that employment challenges are not confined to a single region.
Utilisation of Internship Scheme Funds
O’Brien also questioned the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme. He claimed that only a small fraction of the allocated funds had been utilised so far. In his view, underutilisation of budgetary allocations points to gaps in execution and follow-through.
He urged the Centre to review how schemes are rolled out and monitored to ensure that financial provisions translate into tangible outcomes. Effective implementation, he said, is as important as announcing new initiatives.
Broader Debate on Budget Priorities
The remarks come amid a wider parliamentary debate on the Union Budget, with opposition parties pressing the government on employment, rural development and income support measures. The government, on its part, has defended its economic strategy, emphasising infrastructure investment, fiscal discipline and welfare schemes.
O’Brien concluded by calling for policies that align more closely with the lived experiences of citizens, particularly those in rural and economically vulnerable segments. He said that bridging the gap between policy design and ground realities would be crucial to ensuring inclusive growth.