 "Budget 2016: Advani terms it 'one of the best so far'")
BJP veteran L K Advani on Monday commended the Union Budget for 2016-17 presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley describing it as "one of the best so far".
"I have seen many budgets being presented in parliament. The one that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented in parliament on Monday is certainly one of the best so far, for which I heartily commend him," Advani said in a statement.
He said that Union Budget 2016-17 has the potential to give a big boost to India's economic growth with employment generation, while reducing social imbalances that have marred the country's development since Independence.
"Most heartening is its strong emphasis on the neglected task of revitalisation of agriculture and rural development, since more than two-thirds of India's population continues to live in rural areas," he said.
Advani also said that the budget has made unprecedented provision for accelerating and modernising India's infrastructure in critical areas such as highways, railways and rural roads.
"The strengthened focus on health, education and housing is also most welcome. Moreover, the Finance Minister has expanded the scope of the use of digital technologies in every area of the economy and administration, which is essential for good governance," he said.
Advani said that at a time when the global economy remains weak, India's growth is laudable.
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"It looks to become even brighter in the coming years," he said.
He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying: "All this shows that the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister have adopted an approach that promises to make India stronger and more prosperous, while making 'Antyodaya' the central theme of economic growth."
"This is a befitting tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in his birth centenary year," he added.