Budget focuses on agri sector: Maha CM

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan hailed the Union Budget for 2010-11 presented on Friday in Parliament, for "giving priority" to the agriculture sector.

"The Budget has given priority to the agriculture sector, the back bone of our economy, by announcing Rs 3.57 lakh crore of loan to farmers and extending deadline of repayment of loans by six months," Chavan said, adding it has also strengthened functioning of rural banks.

"With aim to help common man, the Centre has given proper share to the sectors like Health, Education, Rural Development and also to Minorities and Women in the society," Chavan said.

The Budget has also brought some relief to middle class by not increasing income tax. Employment and self-employment would be encouraged, as the Centre has hiked funds of Suvarna Jayantee Rojgar Scheme by 75 per cent, he said.

Chavan congratulated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Congress president Sonia Gandhi for "considering people from all the sections while presenting budget."