But the central government's figures are 31 lakhs. Unless the government know the number of people they have to budget for, it is rather bewildering to know how they mean to plan in bringing about their rehabilitation. As a matter of fact, many other sources believe that the figure is far higher, but in any case there should be some parity and some idea as to the extent of the rehabilitation problem which still remains before the people of West Bengal. Sir, the budget has been variously described and criticised, as one that increase the burden of the common man, one which gives concessions to the rich and encourages foreign investments. I agree, Sir, that it is all this and much more. But it certainly is not a highway man's budget. To my mind, Sir, the budget is sincere, conscientious and at the same time, it is a bold effort on the part of the finance minister who is charged with heavy responsibility of finding resources for the tenth five year plan. This plan, to my mind, Sir, is not at all ambitious, in view of our needs. It may be looked upon as a rather heavy demand, but looking to our needs, it is not very ambitious. Sir, the fact that even the considerations of the coming general elections could not deflect the finance minister from the course which seemed to him necessary and proper, should earn him the appreication of every right thinking man. The common man's interest, as I said, is nearer to our hearts than perhaps some others can claim, or at least it is equally nearer to us, and yet there come times in a nation's history when it becomes necessary for the people to postpone the fruits of their labour and enterprise to secure the future. Here also, Sir, opinions may differ. According to the communist party, such a time came during.
