Opposition MP Premila Kumar has criticized the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister for promoting the National Development Plan, suggesting that his pitch is not resonating with the public. During a response to Professor Biman Prasad’s Ministerial Statement about the plan, Kumar emphasized the importance of understanding how ordinary citizens perceive it, particularly when they are shopping for groceries, buying medication, or engaging with various service providers.
Kumar questioned whether the economic growth touted by the government is truly felt by the people. She highlighted concerns over rising costs, such as service fees and utility bills, pointing out that while the government may claim success, the real impact on citizens remains unclear. She characterized the National Development Plan as a “utopia” that fails to address pressing issues facing the population.
Moreover, Kumar urged the Deputy Prime Minister to enhance his approach and criticized Prasad’s aspirations for the nation to achieve a high-income status. She defended the previous Bainimarama Government, asserting that it significantly contributed to elevating the country from no income to achieving middle-income status.