Opposition MP Premila Kumar criticized the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance for attempting to promote the National Development Plan, suggesting that the public is not convinced by his presentation. During her response to Professor Biman Prasad’s Ministerial Statement regarding the plan, Kumar questioned the real feelings of everyday citizens towards it.
She emphasized the importance of understanding how people experience the economy in their daily lives, from grocery shopping to accessing healthcare and paying utility bills. Kumar argued that, despite claims of economic success, many individuals do not feel the benefits. She described the plan as unrealistic, stating it promises development without addressing existing challenges.
Kumar urged the Deputy Prime Minister to improve his approach and criticized Professor Prasad’s ambition of transforming the nation into a high-income country. She noted that the previous Bainimarama Government had successfully transitioned the nation from no income to a middle-income status.