Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar criticized the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, claiming he is attempting to market the National Development Plan without genuine support from the public. Responding to Professor Biman Prasad’s statement on the plan, Kumar emphasized the importance of understanding how everyday citizens perceive it.
She posed questions about the experiences of people as they shop for groceries, visit pharmacies for medications, and engage with various service providers, including lawyers and doctors, highlighting the burdens of fees and utility bills that they face. Kumar argued that while there might be claims of economic success, the reality for the public needs to be acknowledged, questioning how economic growth is felt at the grassroots level.
Kumar labeled the National Development Plan as unrealistic, suggesting it makes promises of development while failing to address pressing issues affecting the population. She urged the Deputy Prime Minister to improve his approach, while also challenging the vision put forth by Prof Prasad about transforming the country into a high-income nation. Kumar emphasized the achievements of the Bainimarama Government in advancing the country from no income to a middle-income status.