Punjab FinMin hails Budget despite not getting special package

Punjab Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa today described the Union Budget as "people-oriented" even though the state failed to get special financial package of Rs 15,000 crore.
Hailing the Budget, Dhindsa said the focus on the agriculture and rural sectors is a welcome step.
"The far-sighted approach of (Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley has proved NDA's is not an urban-centric government but is equally concerned about the rural economy," Dhindsa said in a statement.
Dhindsa said, "Budget has proved all speculations of the Opposition wrong as it has focused on rural investment and inclusive growth in the urban as well as the rural areas to help support the livelihood of thousands of farmers."

The praise for the Budget by Punjab Finance Minister came despite the state failing to get any special financial package from the Centre.
On February 7, the Punjab government had urged the Centre to provide the state a financial package worth Rs 15,000 crore in the Union Budget 2016-17.
Dhindsa had raised the demand during a pre-budget consultation meeting of the finance ministers of the states with the Union Finance Minister.
Dhindsa had requested for a special package citing exploitation of natural resources, distress among farming community, crisis in industry due to tax holidays and other such problems.