It's a feel-better budget: AP CM

Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu termed the interim budget as 'feel better budget'.

"The interim budget is clearly pro-rural economy, pro-agriculture sector and pro-farmer with several positive and growth oriented features," he commented, while expressing his satisfaction over the emphasis given to agriculture and rural development by the union finance minister.

The efforts to lower the interest rates on agricultural loans, Lok Naik Jayaprakash Narayan Fund to finance agriculture infrastructure, the expansion of Antyodaya Anna Yojana, and extension of crop insurance scheme to more districts were all positive steps, he opined.

"The massive Rs15,000 crore assistance package for revitalising cooperative sector will accelerate rural development, and the proposal to help the sugar industry is also an over-due measure. New package announced for small and marginal industries will also help the growth of rural economy," the chief minister said.

He thanked the union government for inclusion of Hyderabad city for assistance under accelerated drinking water supply scheme.