IANS

Panaji, Feb 27: Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat Friday welcomed union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's budget as "a growth oriented exercise with focus on the social sector".

He said Goa was thankful for the Rs.200 crore special jubilee package to preserve the natural greenery of the state and its beaches.

Speaking to reporters at his official residence, the chief minister said that restructuring the income tax slabs would be of great help to the middle class and weaker sections of society which have borne the brunt of inflation.

"The food security bill is also welcome. It will make food available to the weaker sections of society," he said.

Speaking about the Rs.200 crore special jubilee package for Goa, Kamat said: "Once the money arrives, we will decide how best to use it."

"We had sent them various proposals of around Rs.1,400 crore, out of which the central government decided to pick out the one dealing with preserving the natural resources of the state, including sea beaches and forest cover," Kamat said.

He said the budget would support creation of infrastructure in the country.