Opposition MP Premila Kumar has criticized the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance for attempting to promote the National Development Plan, claiming it has not resonated with the public. In response to Professor Biman Prasad’s remarks on the plan, Kumar questioned how everyday citizens actually perceive its impact on their lives.
She emphasized that the real measure of the plan’s success lies in the feelings of the people as they shop for groceries, visit pharmacies, and deal with service providers, like lawyers and doctors. Kumar highlighted the reality of rising costs, such as electricity and water bills, and questioned whether economic growth is genuinely benefiting the public.
While acknowledging discussions about a thriving economy, she asserted that the benefits are not being felt by the populace, arguing that the plan is merely an idealistic vision that fails to address immediate challenges. Kumar urged the Deputy Prime Minister to improve his efforts and also critiqued Professor Prasad’s goal of transforming the country into a high-income nation. She concluded by stating that the Bainimarama Government has achieved significant progress, elevating the nation from no income to a middle-income status.