Kapil Sibal, an independent Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh, criticized the budget for failing to focus on pulling the country out of its economic morass. He said there are no roadmaps for progress on multiple fronts, such as jobs.

"Every budget is, ultimately, a political statement," Sibal said. "And the fact of the matter is that you are strapped. Unless you get two people on board, your government will not survive, so your allocations should be tailormade to the demands of these people," he added, noting there is nothing wrong with that.

"Who is addressing the issue of jobs that will be lost due to AI?" he asked. "This country needs minds to look at issues, not politics," he said, emphasizing that the nation comes first.

Sibal also highlighted the need to revitalize and restructure the education system to incorporate more skillsbased education.

Sibal mentioned that the 15th Finance Commission recommended that 41% of the Centre’s funds go to the states, but they are now receiving only 32%. He also pointed out that the government cannot keep track of spending in sectors like education and health from the
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