Business chambers have generally hailed the West Bengal budget presented by the finance minister Amit Mitra in the state Assembly on Wednesday.
CII lauded the West Bengal Government for demonstrating prudence and giving a humane face to the state Budget 2018-19.
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“While CII congratulates the West Bengal Government on its proposal to withdraw cess on tea, remove agricultural income tax for tea gardens and reduce stamp duty by one per cent in respect of the properties valued up to Rs 1 crore, the budgetary provisions to offer Rs 1,000 each to the girls under Project Kanyashree deserves unqualified praise,” said Ms Smita Pandit Chakraborty, chairperson, CII West Bengal State Council.
Mr Ramesh Agarwal, president, MCCI hailed the budget stating that the outlay for agriculture has been increased by 82 per cent which is very significant and MCCI feels, will bring substantial improvement in farmer’s welfare.
However, allocation for industry has been stepped up by 14.4% only. Though social sector as a whole has been given a boost, surprisingly, the outlay in the health and family welfare sector has been reduced by 5.6 per cent which needs a re-look, Mr Agarwal added.
Mr Sitaram Sharma, president, Bharat Chamber of Commerce, observed that the continuity of sustainable and inclusive social development schemes have been the hallmark of the budget. Mr Mitra has further strengthened the foundations of socio-economic development in the rural sector by reinforcing the existing projects and launching new schemes such as ‘Rupashree’ and ‘Manabik’.
Mr Sanjay Budhia, managing director of Patton Group, said Rupashree and Manabik reflect and reinforce the humane face of our chief minister. The budget puts mphasis on inclusive growth and development of both agriculture and Industry.