City views Budget with optimism amid household concerns | Prayagraj News

Prayagraj: Reactions from business leaders, educators, traders and citizens in Prayagraj reflected a mixed response to the Union Budget presented by the Finance minister in the Lok Sabha on Sunday, with optimism over infrastructure, MSME support and tourism, but concerns over household relief, small traders and the automobile sector.Vinay Kumar Tandon, president of Eastern UP Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prayagraj, welcomed several Budget provisions, particularly for MSMEs and emerging sectors. He noted that the govt allocated Rs 10,000 crore to promote MSME industries and Rs 50,000 crore for electronic manufacturing, which could benefit local enterprises. He appreciated increased focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, saying cities like Prayagraj stand to gain from higher development allocations.Tandon highlighted the rise in infrastructure spending to Rs 17 lakh crore, predicting improved employment opportunities and better market liquidity. He also welcomed initiatives in tourism, including plans to develop 15 archaeological sites as cultural destinations. Emphasising healthcare reforms, he supported proposals for trauma centres in every district and greater attention to medical tourism.He further welcomed measures for animal husbandry and fish farming, aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and reducing migration. Simplification of income tax and export-focused reforms were also praised. Tandon said renewed emphasis on textiles could help revive closed mills in Prayagraj if govt promises were effectively implemented.Nalini Srivastava, a housewife, expressed dissatisfaction, saying the Budget offered limited direct relief to middle-class families struggling with rising prices . She said expectations of stronger tax relief and inflation control were unmet, calling the Budget “more industry-friendly than family-friendly.”Businessman Sunil Kharbanda offered a balanced response, welcoming the focus on infrastructure, exports and manufacturing, but voiced disappointment over the lack of targeted support for small traders and the automobile sector. “Large industries will benefit, but small retailers and auto-linked businesses needed clearer incentives,” he said. However, he added that the Budget was good in the sense that it tried to lay the roadmap of developed India in the next 5 years.Educationist Sujoy Chatterjee appreciated the emphasis on digital infrastructure, skill development and innovation, stating that stronger industry-academia collaboration could improve employability among youth. However, he said greater clarity was needed on funding for public universities and research institutions.Anuj Agarwal, an automobile dealer, expressed concern over the absence of measures to revive automobile sales. He said high taxes, limited consumer incentives and weak demand continued to burden the sector.