"India is eradicating poverty at a record pace. It takes care of all sectors and classes. This budget is an important step to strengthen the nation," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said hours after Piyush Goyal presented the Interim Budget.

"In a way, PM Kisan Yojana is the biggest scheme for farmers since Independence... For years, there has been a demand to exempt Rs 5 lakh annual income from tax. We have done it," he added.

"Over 12 crore farmers and their families, over three crores salaried professionals and their families will gain thanks to the Budget for new India. It is good to see more people being removed from the shackles of poverty. Our neo-middle class is rising and so are their dreams," PM Modi said.

"The unorganised sector needed more safeguarding of their interests and the Budget has done so. The PM Shram Yogi Man Dhan Yojana will strengthen their lives. Ayushman Bharat Yojana and social security schemes are also going to touch their lives," PM Modi said.