Finance Minister Arun Jaitley arrived at Parliament on Thursday morning to present the last full-year Budget before the 2019 general elections. The Finance Minister started his speech by praising various initiatives taken by the NDA government for the welfare of people. He announced comprehensive healthcare schemes with maternal and child services, free essential drugs and diagnostics. He also said that the government is planning to construct 2 crore more toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission and also increase the target of providing free LPG connections to 8 crore poor women.

This was the first Budget by NDA government after economic reforms like Goods and Services Tax (GST) and was more focussed on farmers, rural poor and small businesses. “Our government has worked sincerely for various reforms without keeping the political angle in mind. My government is committed to the welfare of the fares. Agriculture is an enterprise and we are encouraging farmers to earn more,” Jaitley said.