In recent years, governments—both at the center and in many states—have proudly showcased billions spent on expressways, metro projects, airports, and high-profile flyovers. But while cement and concrete stretch across cities, the cries of the poor, jobless, and sick remain unheard.
National Bhim Sena President R. R. Pandayan Saheb has raised a bold and urgent voice against this imbalance, asking a critical question: “Are we building a nation for machines or for human beings?”
According to Pandayan Saheb, it is not wrong to build roads and develop physical infrastructure. What’s wrong is ignoring the people who are meant to walk those roads—the laborers, the unemployed youth, the slum children, the farmers, and the sick who can’t even afford basic healthcare. While the government spends crores on concrete, millions still go to bed hungry, struggle for clean water, or live without electricity.
Where Is the Budget for the People?
R. R. Pandayan Saheb believes that the government has been focusing its budget disproportionately on cosmetic growth, rather than core welfare.
Hospitals are underfunded, public schools lack basic facilities, unemployment is rising, and social welfare schemes are either underpowered or neglected.
“We’re building flyovers for luxury cars while the poor don’t even have roofs over their heads,” he says.
“Government is doing work, but only in patches and only in cities. The rural poor, slum-dwellers, tribal areas—they are left out. This is a broken approach. What we need is a full-circle budget that starts with the most vulnerable.”
Pandayan Saheb’s Vision for a People-First Budget
R. R. Pandayan Saheb is calling for a “Human Welfare First” budget model where at least 60% of public funds are dedicated to:
- Universal public healthcare clinics and mobile medical vans
- Employment schemes for urban and rural youth
- Housing support for the homeless and slum residents
- Nutritious meal programs in schools and slum zones
- Sanitation and clean drinking water projects in low-income areas
- Strengthening public education in rural and semi-urban regions
- Guaranteed pensions and support for disabled, elderly, and single mothers
“Development should not be measured by how tall our buildings are, but how safe and respected our poorest citizens feel,” he adds.
His Appeal to the Government
Pandayan Saheb is urging both state and central governments to rebalance their budgets. “Government is not blind,” he says. “But it is looking through a narrow lens. Right now, 80% of focus is on visible projects, and only 20% on human needs. This must be reversed.”
He warns that continuing to ignore real human problems while prioritizing infrastructure will lead to widening inequality, social unrest, and loss of public faith in governance.
Going ahead, Pandayan Saheb plans to:
- Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about budget justice
- Organize mass petitions and street protests demanding welfare-oriented allocation
- Work with local Bhim Sena units to gather data on neglected areas and submit to government bodies
- Raise the issue in media, civil society, and legislative platforms
His final message is powerful:
“India doesn’t just need bridges—it needs balance. Build roads, yes. But first, build lives.”