BENGALURU, 16 FEB 

State Budget 2024 has evoked mixed responses from the public in City with some sceptical about the benefits that it may bring to their field and questioning the implementation of projects announced. 

Salar News spoke to a cross-section of people on Friday to gauge their take on this year’s State Budget. “It is hard to say how the Budget allocation will affect me directly. It depends on how they handle taxes and infrastructure development,” said Arvind Kumar, an electronic store owner in the City.

The rise in the cost of living in the City was the concern raised by Anitha S, a retired government employee. “The pensions are barely enough for people like us. I hope they addressed this issue in the Budget allocations.”

S Vikram, who is an unemployed youth, raised concern about the lack of job opportunities in the City. “I am an engineering graduate and even after six months of my graduation, I am still finding it hard to get a job in my field of speciality. The State government should create more job opportunities and give priority to people like me,” he said.

Meenakshi, an IT professional, said: “If they are truly investing in the healthcare infrastructure and staffing, it could improve access to quality care for everyone.”

With the Liquor prices being revised in the budget allocations, many people had a mixed range of reactions. “If the prices of liquor increase, it will be another burden on the common people. We already suffer from price hikes in everything, now even our small pleasures will become unaffordable,” said Rajesh S, a software engineer.

S Mahalakshmi, a homemaker, said: “It is time the government keeps a check on price rise with the prices of LPG skyrocketing it is a huge burden on the home budget. Only if the government keeps a check on the rise in prices will the common man heave a sigh of relief despite the government offering freebies''.

Prakash Gowda, an autorickshaw driver, said: “The prices of LPG and CNG used for auto rickshaws are going up every day. We urge the State government to help poor auto drivers like us and check the price rise.’’