'This Budget Converts Hopes and Aspirations of People Into Trust': PM Modi on Budget 2014

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today termed the Budget as one that converts hopes and aspirations of the people into trust, adding that it will take India to newer heights of progress. He said, "This Budget is a new ray of hope for the poor and downtrodden sections of society."

Congratulating Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for his maiden Budget, the Prime Minister said, "The Budget will give an impetus to Jan Bhagidari (people's participation) and Jan Shakti (people's power)." He described it as an effort to make India skilled and digital, guided by the usage of the latest technology.

The Prime Minister said that for the moribund economy, this budget has come as a Sanjeevani (new life) and an Arunoday (sunrise) for the last man in the line. He also said that development should be all-encompassing ("samaveshak, sarvadeshak, sarvasparshi") and should also reach those parts of the country which have so far remained underdeveloped.

Assuring the people that the government is leaving no stone unturned in doing their duty to develop the country and rid it from the challenges it faces, he recalled how the entire world had immense expectations from India but how in the last decade the entire economic system crumbled.

Talking about the new government's efforts, the PM said, "Since we formed the government there were discussions about whether we can free the nation from crisis but the Railway Budget and today's General Budget show that we are moving in the right direction."

The PM categorically stated that despite the testing times, his government is committed to extend every possible help to the poor, the neo-middle class and the middle class, inspired by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.'

He also talked about the innovative provisions in the Budget for the development of tribal communities and schemes for giving an impetus to skill development for youth. "The Budget is in line with the government's vision to create a skilled and digital India," the PM said.

He also spoke about the measures for farmers such as Krishi Sinchai Yojana that would benefit farmers and achieve the guiding principle of 'per drop, more crop.' He particularly mentioned the provisions in the Budget for the cleaning of the Ganga.

The PM pointed that the Budget will give a ray of hope to the housewife who is being burdened by rising prices and will place utmost importance to women empowerment and girl's education.

He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to make India self-reliant in the defence sector. The Prime Minister said the government is committed and confident of bringing India out of crisis. And this confidence was due to the capabilities and strength of 125 crore Indians. He said this strength would be channeled towards taking the country to new heights.