New Delhi, Mar 23 (PTI) The Congress on Tuesday alleged that economic inequality in the society has been increasing under the NDA government, a charge refuted by the BJP, which said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been sincerely working for the welfare of the poor.
Initiating the debate on the Finance Bill, 2021, Congress member Amar Singh said the economic situation in the country is deteriorating and charged that 73 per cent of the country's wealth is going to just 1 per cent of the population.
"Inequality is increasing very fast," he said.
Singh said except agriculture, all sectors have been suffering due to "wrong" policies adopted by the central government.
He said if the central government does a sample survey of the unorganised sector, which contributes 45 to 50 per cent to the economy and provides employment to a similar number of people, it will find that the sector is the worst sufferer.
Singh charged that the government has given tax relief only to the rich whereas the common people have been suffering because of the price rise of essential commodities and petroleum products.
The Congress member claimed that allocation to the health and agriculture sectors has reduced which will create problems for the poor.
He also demanded that the three agricultural laws should be withdrawn as demanded by the agitating farmers.
BJP member Rajendra Agrawal said the BJP-led government has been working relentlessly for the welfare of the poor, deprived, backward and women.
"Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed charge in 2014, he has been working for the all round development of the poor and downtrodden without taking any break," he said.
Agrawal said the three agricultural acts enacted last year have been been beneficial for farmers and many peasants have already benefitted from them.
He also blamed the Congress and Left parties for the poor condition of the country's agriculture and industrial sectors.
The BJP member charged the Congress cannot go beyond the prism of votes bank politics and when in power, carried out development where it would get votes.
