The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday hailed the Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley as a precursor to the promised achche din (good days) and a step toward fulfilling the commitments made in the party’s election manifesto.
The party was upbeat that the Finance Minister has begun the process of putting the nation’s economy back on track, and announced tax relief that will offer reprieve to the common man.
Party president Amit Shah described the Budget as “pragmatic, growth oriented and forward looking, one that will address the aspirations of all sections of 125 crore Indians”. He said the government has charted a road map for the economic resurgence of India and addressed issues raised in the BJP Manifesto. “Our motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas is truly reinforced in this Budget,” Mr. Shah said.
He said the common man will immensely benefit from the relief to small income tax payers and senior citizens, impetus on agriculture and rural economy and plans for urban renewal.
Union Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation M. Venkaiah Naidu said the Budget seeks to improve the health and wealth of individuals and the country. “It seeks to revive the nation’s economy by addressing various bottlenecks being faced by the critical sectors of manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, small and medium enterprises and urban development,” he said.
Mr. Naidu said the Budget reflects the commitment of the government to put an end to the “drift, indecisiveness, wasteful expenditure and tax terrorism.”
“While the Economic Survey was a clinical ‘diagnosis’ of the state of the economy, the Budget is a ‘prescription’ to address the problem besides suggesting a way forward for sustained economic growth,” he said.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Budget has successfully captured the imagination of the people by addressing their hopes and aspirations. “It has defined a road map for a new, vibrant India. Schemes like ‘Skill India’ will boost the confidence of India’s youth and create massive job opportunities in the country. ‘Pradhan Mantri Gram Sinchai Yojana’, designed to provide irrigation facilities in rain-fed areas, will not only benefit the farmers but also strengthen our food security.
“The Budget has allocated Rs. 500 crore for displaced Kashmiri Pandits that will help in expediting the process of relief and rehabilitation in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Mr. Singh said the Rs. 3,000-crore outlay for police modernisation has highlighted the government’s resolve to strengthen the existing police infrastructure in the country.
Union Minister for Environment and Forests and Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar called the Budget a “job creator” and said it will give a thrust to manufacturing, infrastructure, housing and irrigation. “It’s a road map for the future,” he said.
