Rahul Haldar

The annual unveiling of the Indian Union Budget is a spectacle of national importance, a document that supposedly lays the roadmap for the nation's financial future. However, the 2025 budget, while presented with fanfare and promises of prosperity, leaves a lingering sense of unease. A closer examination reveals a budget that appears more geared towards political expediency than genuine economic reform, a mirage of progress that benefits a select few while leaving the vast majority of Indians struggling. A Political Gambit? One of the most glaring criticisms of the 2025 budget is its perceived focus on electoral gains. With upcoming elections in crucial states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, the budget allocates significant funds to these regions. While development in these states is undoubtedly necessary, the timing and scale of these allocations raise eyebrows. Critics argue that this is a blatant attempt to woo voters, a political gimmick disguised as fiscal responsibility. ...

India's economic ascent is a tale of paradox, one marked by impressive growth yet shadowed by a stark reality: the nation grapples with an unprecedented level of income inequality. As the fifth-largest economy globally, India's trajectory seems destined to secure it the third spot in the near future. However, this narrative of progress is marred by a disconcerting statistic: the top 1% of earners command a staggering 22.6% of the national income, while the bottom 50% share a mere 15%. This disparity, a culmination of historical and contemporary factors, has ignited debates about the true beneficiaries of India's growth and the challenges that lie ahead. A Historical Perspective on Inequality in India India's struggle with inequality is not a recent phenomenon. The roots of this issue can be traced back to its colonial past, where policies often favored the elite and exacerbated existing socioeconomic divisions. The post-independence era saw the implementation of various...