Budget 2018: Manmohan Singh says doubling farmers' income is not possible

Former Prime Minister and economist Manmohan Singh today expressed his disappointment on 2018 budget presented by Arun Jaitley in the parliament on Thursday.

Contradicting policies such as increasing farmer's income in double, Manmohan Singh said unless agriculture grows at 12% such expectations can't be met.

Reacting the budget Manmohan also said that the budget for 2018-19 doesn't have provision for the schemes announced.

He also asked to have a separate discussion in parliament on the issues like farmers, job, health and education as the budget hasn't provided any assurance for the schemes that have been announced.

Arun Jaitley on Thursday presented NDA government's last full-year budget ahead of the general elections in 2019.

Jaitley had earlier tabled the  Economic Survey on Monday targeting a 7-7.5 per cent growth in 2018-19. 

While presenting the budget Finance minister said that the special focus has been placed on strengthening rural, agriculture economy and announced 10 trillion rupees to 11 trillion rupees credit for agricultural activities.

Jaitley also announced to double farmers' income by 2022 and said, "we are committed to achieving that. Our emphasis is on generating higher income for farmers."