Nitish hails ‘progressive’ Budget

Patna: CM Nitish Kumar on Saturday hailed the Union Budget, calling it "positive, commendable, progressive and forward-looking". He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a "better" Budget.
"Through this Budget, the Centre has taken several steps to accelerate the country's development. The announcements made for Bihar will further boost the state's progress.The establishment of a Makhana Board for improving production, processing, value addition and marketing of makhana will greatly benefit farmers," Nitish said in a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
Highlighting infrastructure development, he said, "Providing greenfield airport facilities in Bihar to meet future needs will increase the number of international flights, benefitting the people and accelerating the state's economic growth. Financial assistance for the Western Kosi Canal Project in Mithilanchal will support local farmers. Also, the Budget provision for the expansion of IIT Patna will promote technical education."
Speaking on opportunities for the youth, he said, "The establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management in Bihar will enhance skill development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities while boosting food processing activities in eastern India."
On the tax relief and financial support measures, the CM said, "The exemption on income-tax slabs up to Rs 12 lakh provides relief to the middle class. Increasing the credit limit on the Kisan Credit Card from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh will benefit farmers."
"Raising the MSME credit guarantee cover for micro-enterprises from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore will create more employment opportunities. Several measures in the Budget for the welfare of the poor, youth and farmers are commendable," Nitish added.