Shimla, Feb 1 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday hailed the Union Budget by terming it as a historic document that revolves around three ideas of aspirational India, economic development and caring society.

He said the budget was aimed to address hopes and aspirations of all the sections of society.

Thakur hailed the proposal of 16 actionable plans to enhance the income of the farmers. He said since 90 per cent population of Himachal Pradesh reside in rural areas with agriculture as their main avocation, these plans would go a long way in strengthening economy of the farming community of the state.

He said this ambitious plan would not only ensure the upliftment of rural areas but also ensure socio-economic development of farmers, unemployed youth and the common man.

The Chief Minister said the budget was an attempt to ensure faith of masses by winning their confidence by way of all-round development. The new education policy announced in the budget would help the nation in regaining the old glory of 'Vishwa Guru' as the budget allocation in this sector has been pegged at Rs 99,312 crore.

He said the proposal of providing online degrees to poor students would help the underprivileged youth to get higher education without any hindrance.

The Chief Minister hailed the proposal in the budget for increasing the budget allocation for Himachal Pradesh by 33 per cent which would accelerate the pace of development in the state.

He also appreciated the proposal to simplify personal income tax proposal. He said the personal income tax is at the lowest rate of all time.