Aam Aadmi Budget, says Digambar Kamat

Panaji, Feb 29 (UNI) Describing the Central Budget 2008-09 as ''Aam Aadmi Budget'', Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram had unveiled a blue print for overall development of the country within the framework of the national common minimum programme.

Congratulating Mr Chidambaram for his efforts, Mr Kamat said the budget would stimulate investment and consequently growth. He expressed confidence that the budget would sustain the growth process.

The schemes and incentives introduced in the Budget would give the necessary spurt to the rural economy and create additional income for the rural people which would expand the market, create demand for industry and set in motion a multiplier growth process.

The five-year tax holiday which would be applicable on new hotel projects and hospitals to be set up in rural areas, would boost the hospital and medical tourism sector of the state.

''I am extremely pleased that the Finance Minister has extended the incentive scheme for pharmaceuticals. The thrust on rural health programmes, life saving drugs and preventive vaccines, as announced in the budget today, also augurs well for the pharma companies located in Goa. Further, deduction of excise duty from 16 per cent to eight per cent on pharmaceutical industries would also help in promoting Goa as prominent pharma hub of the country,'' Mr Kamat added.

UNI BM MAZ AE KP2311