The BJP on Monday described the budget a great disappointment. Initiating to the debate on Union budget 2012-13 presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley alleged that the policy of UPA-II's policy is anti people. He said the across the board increase in excise duty by two per cent is going to affect manufacturing sector sluggish.

Mr Jaitley said the budget will increase inflation. He said as against the target of 20 kilometre a day in highway construction only five kilometres are being constructed. Saying that distress of farmers continues because of increasing input costs and low profitability, Mr Jaitley said the population increase is not matched by the increase in quantum of food production. Mr Jaitley said 12 per cent service tax is exorbitant.

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar appreciated the government's efforts and said that despite global economic slowdown and euro zone crisis,
Indian economy is doing well. He said country's growth rate is higher than many other economies.

Referring the central welfare schemes, Aiyar advocated for massive reforms in the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, MGNREGA, so that maximum benefits reach the targeted people. He said malnutrition is a major problem
among children. About 47 per cent children are either severely or moderately under nourished.

Mr. Aiyar hoped, the Food Security Bill will address these crucial issues.