SELF-RELIANCE IS AT THE HEART OF BUDGET EXERCISE, SAYS PM MODI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described the Union Budget 2021-22 as “not just active but proactive”, and stressed that villages and farmers were “at its heart”.

In a televised address shortly after Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget in Parliament, the PM said with its focus on ease of living, health and wealth, the budget shows India’s growing self-confidence. “The budget has the vision of self-reliance and features every section of the society,” Modi said.

The principles behind the budget, he said, included expansion of new opportunities for growth, opportunities for the youth, giving a new dimension to human resources, infrastructure development; and helping new sectors grow.

“This budget has a special focus on strengthening the agriculture sector and boosting farmers’ income. Villages and farmers are at its heart,” he said.

At a time when farmers are agitating against the farm bills that they allege are anti-farmers and will only benefit corporates, the PM offered reassurance that the budget focuses on increasing farmers’ income. He said farmers will be able to get loans easily, and the new laws will allow for the strengthening of Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMCS) with the help of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday termed the Budget 2021-22 a guide to “self-reliant India” and said it has strengthened Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts towards doubling farmers’ income and making India the fastest growing economy in the world.

Shah lauded the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and said the “all-inclusive budget” was prepared under the guidance of the Prime Minister amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

“This will pave the way for a self-reliant India, a USD 5 trillion economy and double the income of farmers,” he tweeted.

Shah said the Prime minister has been devoted to the welfare of farmers since day one and numerous efforts have been made to double their income.