Tripura CM, economists, traders hail Budget

Agartala, July 5 (IANS) Tripura's Chief Minister, economists and traders on Friday hailed the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said that the 2019-20 Budget would boost the rural economy and would be helpful for farmers to increase their income.

"Housing for all by 2022 and pure water supply to every household in India by 2024 shows government's commitment for making a New India. This budget shows New India's progressive thinking, which would not only bring relief to the poor but also accelerate the development of the country," said Deb, also the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's Tripura state President.

Terming the budget a "pro-farmer and pro-people", Tripura Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma said that this is an inclusive budget for all round growth and development.

Dev Varma, who also holds the Finance portfolio, said that the Budget has a provision of pension for the small traders and infrastructure development. "The central budget was prepared taking into the interest of people of all walks of life," he added.

Economist Indraneel Bhowmik said that in the budget there are indications to strengthen the economy. He hailed the Finance Minister's announcement for creation of a 'Gandhipedia' to propagate "positive Gandhian values".

Bhowmik, a professor of Tripura University (Central), told IANS that that the budget has schemes to boost the infrastructure, but these should be implemented effectively and successfully.

Secretary of All Tripura Merchants Association (ATMA) Sujit Roy said that the budget, specially the income tax issue, would largely benefit the traders and business community.

Shyamal Bank, a small trader, said that there should be more exemptions and benefits in the Budget to get loans from banks and financial institutions.