“This budget is not for the aam aadmi”

Devendra Kumar Chaudhry is a resident of Sikandra block, in Jamui district of Bihar. He works as a Tola Sewak (Siksha Mitra) within a state programme, where his chief responsibility is to teach Dalit and Mahadalit children who have dropped out of school. During the lockdown (and even before that), he has been taking two hours of classes across five villages to inspire families to let their children continue their education.

When Gram Vaani volunteer Amit Kumar Savita asked him about his views on the Union Budget 2021, Devendra said he was dissatisfied. He feels the budget is not in favour of workers and labourers and bemoans the reduction in the education and PM Kisan budgets.

In Parsa block of Saran district, Bihar, Priya Kumari shares similar views with Gram Vaani volunteer, Vikas Kumar.

Priya’s husband has been running a small grocery shop that was closed down during the lockdown. Her son hasn’t been able to attend school, as she does not have a smartphone for online classes. During the lockdown, her son spent all of his time sitting at home. Priya’s husband has been trying to find employment in the city, but has had no success thus far.

Here’s what both Devendra and Priya have to say on Budget 2021.

Gram Vaani is a social tech company that empowers communities by enabling them to create and share stories in their own voice. Amit Kumar Savita and Vikas Kumar are volunteers with Gram Vaani.

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Know more: Read about how labour rights in India have worsened post-lockdown.

Do more: Connect with the authors at contact@gramvaani.org to understand more about and support their work.