Dairy fund & easier flow of credit will help millions, accelerate farmer drive

By Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Reducing the ceiling for cash donation to political parties to just Rs 2,000 is one of the most commendable moves made in this Union Budget. Digital accounting of amounts larger than Rs 2,000 will help bring about transparency in politics, laying to rest doubts often raised about political funding. I consider Budget 2017 presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley as truly historical in this regard.

The Budget is holistic in approach – its aim is to truly transform India. The Budget stands out in keeping the government’s commitment towards cooperative federalism. I feel the Budget’s many provisions will strengthen states and the federal system. It has taken care of each segment and is reflective of the vision of collective development. The last budget, in my view, had taken very radical steps for the welfare of farmers. These, as the Centre has now committed in this budget, will further be strengthened. This must be welcomed.

For example, following the budgetary proposals implementation from last year, the state’s milk production has increased tremendously. The Centre continues to build on these positive moves with incremental steps. Dairy processing infrastructure development fund announced now will help our cattle industry and farmers even more. The provision of credit facility will benefit farmers in millions as they will now easily be able to meet loan requirement. The Rs 5,000 crore micro irrigation infrastructure fund will significantly strengthen the state.

Over the next five years, we expect that these provisions will help double the income of our farmers and boost our rural economy. The proposed new legislation for contract farming will also go a long way in bringing benefits to them.

All these initiatives are reflective of the progressive thinking of the central government. Alongside cooperative federalism, the Budget makes the Centre’s commitment to transform India evident. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is growing rapidly and various measures are being taken to ensure that no one stops its pace. All obstacles are gradually being eliminated by the government.

The world’s fastest growing economy on PM Modi’s watch is also developing itself as a unified market which will facilitate investment and economic growth. The thrust on digital economy will further help build a new and more integrated economy of India.

I am particularly impressed by the steps announced to eliminate poverty and generate new jobs. The Indian International Skill Development Centers will make our youth employable and the Rs 4,000 crore SANKALP programme will enable the young people earn a decent living.

The other people-friendly measures that deserve mention are tax relief measures for small companies. These will help promote small and micro-enterprises on a wider scale. The personal income tax relief will also be a big help to the common people. Waiver of service charge on online railway ticket booking is another good initiative by the government that will promote cashless transactions and help India grow faster towards its path to a digital economy.

(Chief Minister Madhya Pradesh)