As the ruling Trinamool Congress accused the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre of depriving West Bengal once again in this year’s Union Budget, Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday congratulated Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting “a balanced and forward-looking budget” and said that people of West Bengal would be able to take advantage of the “innovative features of the Budget”.

Praising the Union Budget, Bose called it “a balanced and forward-looking budget” that incorporated “expectations of all sections of society and the priorities of the nation”.

In a statement issued by Raj Bhavan here, the Governor said: “The Budget is growth-centric and inclusive, and gives thrust to crucial sectors that are key engines of development, such as affordable housing, agriculture, MSME, investment, and exports. Thus, ensuring sustained economic momentum.”

“In his analysis of the Budget, the Governor stated that the Central government’s commitment to Rs 1.5 lakh crore in interest-free loans to states for capital projects could benefit West Bengal’s infrastructure development, boosting growth,” the statement issued by the Raj Bhavan said.

“The Budget emphasises credit enhancement for MSMEs. West Bengal, with its significant MSME sector, particularly in textiles, handicrafts, and manufacturing, could see increased investments and business expansion,” it added.

With West Bengal’s agricultural base, the new six-year pulses and cotton production programme supporting farmers could enhance productivity and farmer incomes, he added.

According to the Governor, the Budget proposal to establish daycare cancer centres in 200 district hospitals across the country would enable West Bengal to improve cancer care at the district level.

“An addition of 10,000 seats in medical colleges has been announced. This will add to the seat capacity of medical colleges in West Bengal,” he added.