“This Budget is pro-village, pro-poor, pro-farmer. The main focus is on bringing about qualitative change in the country,” Modi said congratulating Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for presenting a budget that will bring a big change in the lives of common people
In a statement he said the Budget has laid a roadmap to alleviate poverty in a time-bound manner.
“Several steps have been taken for the farmers. The most important is Pradhan MantriKrishiYojana,” he said.
For MNREGA, there has been the biggest allocation, he said.
On housing, he said efforts will be made to strengthen the sector to ensure that poor people realise their dreams.
Exemptions have also been given to those living in rented accommodations, he noted.
Noting that electricity and roads are crucial for villages, the Prime Minister said by 2019 all villages of the country will be connected by roads, while all of them will be electrified by 2018.
Modi said the budget lays thrust on the national security by having provisions for boosting defence manufacturing and providing the armed forces with modern and potent equipment.
With regard to the provision of Rs 2 lakh crore for infrastructure development, Modi said it will benefit the border areas of the country.
He also spoke about creation of employment opportunities, including Dalit entrepreneurship, by providing appropriate eco-system. “I want the youth to be job creators rather than job seekers.”
The government has given priority to primary education. “A qualitative transformation of the education sector is what we are giving priority to,” he said.
On healthcare sector, Modi said the government has taken several initiatives in the field. “We want to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people, particularly the poor, in times of illness.”
Duty on components of dialysis machines has been reduced in the budget which will help availability of more such equipment, thus reducing travel cost for people who have to go to far-off places for the exercise.