Modi lauds Sitharaman's budget: 'People friendly, progressive'

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (1) lauded the budget presented by his finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying it was “people friendly, progressive” and full of possibilities for infrastructure, investment, growth and jobs.

In a televised statement, Modi said an important aspect of the 2022-23 budget was the welfare of the poor. He added that it sought to solve contemporary problems and create new opportunities for common people.

“The budget aims to ensure pucca house, toilet, tap water and gas connection for every poor household. At the same time focus is on modern Internet connectivity also,” the prime minister said.

ALSO READ: Nirmala Satharaman presents India's budget 2022-23: At a glance

The budget this year has come with a new confidence of development amidst the once-in-a-century calamity, the prime minister said, adding that it will create new opportunities for the commoners along with providing strength to the Indian economy.

Opposition blasts India's budget 2022-23: 'Nothing for middle class'

Modi said the budget is “full of opportunities for more Infrastructure, more Investment, more growth, and more jobs”.

“This will further open the green job sector. This budget not only solves contemporary problems but also ensures bright future for the youth,” he added.

“The quest for modernity and technology in every sphere of life through steps such as drones for farmers, Vande Bharat trains, digital currency, 5 G services, national digital health ecosystem will hugely benefit our youth, middle class, poor, Dalit and backward classes,” the prime minister said.

He said provisions in his government’s budget for the new fiscal also aims to make agriculture lucrative and full of new opportunities.

“Measures such as special fund for encouraging new agriculture startups and package for food processing industry will help in increasing income of farmers. More than Rs 2.25 lakh crore are being transferred in the account of the farmers through MSP purchase,” he said.

Modi said along with record increase in the credit guarantee, many schemes have been announced in the budget.

“India's MSME sector will be greatly benefitted by the reservation of 68 per cent of the Defence Capital Budget for the domestic industry. Rs 7.5 lakh crore worth of public investment will give new push to the economy and create new opportunities for small and other industries”, he added.