"Disappointed" with interim Union budget: Patnaik

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday expressed "disappointment" over the interim Union Budget and said he would give it only 2.5 marks out of 10.

He, however welcomed the tax benefits for middle class and benefits to farmers announced in the budget.

Patnaik claimed the state will be hit with a short fall of Rs 26,342 crore in actual receipt of allocations in regard to the 14th Finance Commission recommendations.

Stating that he welcomes the tax benefits planned for middle and lower income groups, Patnaik said he too welcome the direct benefit transfer proposed for small and marginal farmers on the line of Odisha's KALIA scheme.

"However, it would have benefited the farmers more if the quantum of assistance is equal or more than our KALIA scheme which is Rs 10,000 per year," Patnaik said adding that there is nothing for landless poor, share croppers and farmers in distress.

Odisha government in December last year has launched the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme for providing assistance to the farmers.

Replying a question, Patnaik said: "I will give 2.5 out of 10 to this interim budget."