Balanced budget for development: CM
Bhopal : Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has described the Central budget presented in Parliament today as a balanced budget for country’s development. It has paid special attention to agriculture and farmers’ welfare. The budget will help in India’s re-building. It takes care of all sections of society.
Chief Minister said that at a time when entire world is passing through global recession with major countries of the world neck deep in economic crisis, this budget is balanced, development-oriented, aiming at welfare of the poor and creation of employment for youths. It provides for creation of additional irrigation in 25 lakh hectares and digging of 5 lakh ponds under MNREGA. A roadmap has been chalked out to achieve ambitious target of doubling income of farmers. Revolutionary measures like Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme, Integrated e-Mandi and organic farming in 5 lakh hectares have been introduced in the budget. Arrangements have been made to provide loans worth Rs. 9 lakh crore to farmers.
Chief Minister said that it is the budget for welfare of the poor. It has made maximum provisions to create unemployment for the poor under MNREGA. Provisions of LPG and Health Insurance Scheme have been made for poor families. Under Stand-up India, Rs. 500 crore has been provisioned for SC and ST entrepreneurs. Under Skill Development Programme, Rs. 17 thousand crore has been provisioned for youths.
The budget has also paid attention to infrastructure development. Rs. 2 lakh 35 thousand crore has been provisioned for rural and urban development. Provision has been made to convert 50 thousand km long highways to national highways. Small income tax payers have been given concessions. For the first time, upto Rs. 50 thousand concession on interest has been given to buyers of houses. The budget aims at realizing dreams of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The budget is balanced and aims at given positive direction to the country, he added.
