From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Feb 1: Union Budget for 2021-22 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman has come as a catalyst that can revive this sluggish economy, said Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa in his reaction on Monday.
“I strongly believe that the budget will act as a speed booster to the economy which was badly hit due to COVID-19 pandemic,’’ the Chief Minister said.
Yediyurappa said it is impossible to expect a better budget amidst the pandemic. Despite that, this is the pro poor and pro middle class budget.
The Union Finance Minister has announced necessary strategies for economic revival as well as containment of the pandemic. It is a welcome measure that the Vaccination drive against Covid 19 has been allocated Rs. 35,000 crore and the Finance Minister assured that more funds will be provided in case of necessity.
The Chief Minister said strengthening of agriculture sector, skill development, infrastructure development and industrial development has been given special emphasis in the budget. The budget has provided a platform to double the farmer’s income by 2022 as per the aspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.
The allocation of Rs.16.50 lakh crore for Agriculture and Rural Development. Strengthening and continuation of MSP has been emphasised.
Funds to improve the infrastructure in APMCs, doubling the grants for micro irrigation and value addition programme for 22 crops will help farmers in great way.
He warmly appreciated the Tax holiday for construction of affordable houses will benefit middle class.
Bengaluru Metro
The Chief Minister was particicularly appreciative of the allocation of Rs. 1.10 lakh crore under National Railway Project. It is a welcome move to have provided Rs. 1.07 lakh crore for capital expenditure. Rs.14,778 crore has been announced for Bengaluru Metro Project and 58 kms of new route can be constructed due to this provision. This is the biggest gift to Karnataka from our own Finance Minister, he said,
It is commendable to note that Rs.3.30 lakh crore allocated under Bharat Mala to improve road connectivity in the country and Rs.3 lakh crore to power sector. The thrust given to Bus transport system by allocating Rs.18 thousand crore will help to reduce traffic congestion in urban areas.
“I welcome the allocation of Rs. 2.23 lakh crore for health sector including Rs 64,180 crore for wellness centres and Rs.1.41 lakh crore for Urban Swatch Abhiyan.
Aathmanirbhar Bharat
Chalking out programmes for 13 sectors to realise the Prime Minister’s dream of Aathmanirbhar Bharat is a welcome step. This will go a long way to build self-reliant India.
Rs.87,000 crore for Urban Jal Jeevan Mission to provide urban drinking water supply, Rs. 3,000 crore for skill development , Rs 50,000 crore for research over next five years and other such programmes reflects on the priority Prime Minister has given to the overall development of the country.
Announcing Mission Poshan - 2.0 to fight against malnutrition is very timely move, he said welcoming the exemption of filing Income tax returns to senior citizens above 75 years as an appreciable measure.
“On the whole, the Union Budget 2021-22 has the potential to be a catalyst to revive economy and implement development programmes. I whole heartedly welcome this budget,’’ Yediyurappa added.