A pragmatic Budget in difficult times: FICCI, FINER

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Federation of Industries and Commerce of North-Eastern Region (FINER) have hailed the Union Budget (2020-21) terming it as a pragmatic one in difficult times. Ranjit Barthakur, Chairman FICCI North East Advisory Council, said the Budget is a pragmatic and balanced one in rather difficult times. He said it is good that the Budget has focused on agriculture and infrastructure.

“The Budget has made an allocation of 2.83 lakh crores for Agriculture and allied sectors, and also announced credit availability of 15 lakh crores for the rural and agri sector these measures will help in reviving demand in the rural economy. We hope part of the Agriculture Budget allocation will also be used for the Tea and animal husbandry sectors,” Barthakur said.

Ashish Phookan, Chairman of FICCI’s Assam State Council, welcomed the move to develop iconic tourism destinations in five locations including Sibsagar in Assam. “There is a great need to develop our archaeological sites with world class tourism infrastructure and this move will help boost tourism. With adequate support from the Government, Sibsagar with a number of tourism attractions around it, could be converted into the second tourism Hub for North East after Kaziranga,” he said.

The FINER has felt that the Budget proposals are based more on long term goals where emphasis was given to three prominent themes—agriculture, irrigation & rural Development, wellness, water and sanitation, education & skill. Focus is also on infrastructure, connectivity and tax reforms, which will not only boost the GDP growth but will also give a boost to slowing Indian Economy.

According to the FINER the Budget‘s primary focus on rural economy is an important issue that the government took up in right earnest. Major reforms through PM KUSUM, Krishi UDAN and Kisan RAIL schemes are steps in right direction which will benefit the north-eastern region as well.

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