Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as “citizen friendly, development friendly, and future oriented”. Modi, who made the remarks in a televised address, said the Budget would empower the poor and provide a better future to the youth. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her first Budget on Friday.

The prime minister also called it a “green Budget” as it focused on the environment and pushed for eco-friendly energy. Modi said the Budget highlighted structural reforms in the agricultural sector, and laid the road map to transform the farm sector by doubling farmers’ income.

“The Budget for a ‘New India’ has a road map to transform the agriculture sector of the country, this budget is one of hope and it will boost India’s development in the 21st century,” he said. He added that the government’s policies would turn the downtrodden to a powerhouse for the country’s development.

“This Budget will make the education sector better and create awareness among the masses on artificial intelligence and space research,” Modi said. He added that it would make enterprises stronger, increase participation of women, simplify tax system, and modernise infrastructure.

Union minister Piyush Goyal called the Budget a manifesto. “I think people’s verdict is out,” he told ANI. “I can only say that Congress seems to be rudderless, leaderless & helpless. Finance minister has been very benign to the Railways. She has laid out a vision of investment of nearly 50 lakh crore over the next 10 years. I would really like to thank Finance Minister for strengthening the resolve of the Railways.”

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said the Budget was path-breaking. He said it “accelarates the reform agenda of the government, continuing focus on fundamental policies to improve rural-urban infra & economy, youth & skilling, women-led entrepreneurship & moving toward a $5 trillion”.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ally in the National Democratic Alliance at the Centre, welcomed the budgetary provisions. “This is an all-inclusive and balanced budget,” Kayande said. “It gives priority to rural economy...Plus, a woman minister presented the budget which was a proud moment.” However, she said the government’s proposal to increase import duty on gold and precious metals from 10% to 12.5% could be reconsidered. “It should be reduced as gold has emotional value attached to it in the country,” she was quoted as saying by PTI.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the Union Budget and called it “visionary”. “Congratulations Hon @narendramodi ji & @nsitharaman ji,” he said in a tweet. “This is a visionary budget which will steer India with even greater speed towards 5 trillion dollar economy! The very fact Modi ji’s Govt could add a trillion dollar in just 5 years makes it more achievable!” He added that the Budget stressed on schemes for “villages, poor and farmers” and women. He said this made it more inclusive and that it gives more emphasis on higher and technical education.

“Sitharaman ji has presented a budget respecting the poor, farmers and women and keeping in mind the dream of realising a New India by 2025,” State Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told PTI.