The Hindu : A feel better budget, says Naidu

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 04, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

A feel better budget, says Naidu

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, FEB. 3. The Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has described the interim budget presented by the Union Finance Minister, Jaswant Singh, as a "feel better budget.''

The direction and thrust of the budget, he said, were welcome as the emphasis was on agriculture and rural development. The interim budget was clearly "pro-rural economy, pro-agriculture sector and pro-farmer,'' he said.

The new package announced for small and marginal industries would also help the growth of rural economy. "All in all, the interim Central budget is positive and growth-oriented,'' he said.

In an unequivocal endorsement of the interim budget, Mr. Naidu said the efforts to lower the interest rates on agricultural loans were welcome. The Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan Fund to finance agriculture infrastructure, the expansion of Antyodaya Anna Yojana, extension of crop insurance scheme to more districts were also positive steps.

The Chief Minister said the Rs. 15,000-crore assistance package for revitalising the cooperative sector was a step in the right direction as it would, in turn, accelerate rural development. The proposal to help the sugar industry was an overdue measure.

He thanked the Finance Minister for including Hyderabad for assistance under the accelerated drinking water supply scheme.

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