New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said that Central government is keen to enhance the income of the rural poor and thereby improve their living standard through various budgetary measures including better road connectivity and additional income through subsidiary activities.

Speaking on the budget for 2017-18 at a meeting organised by the Karnataka BJP in Bengaluru today, Mr Jaitley said the infrastructure allocation of Rs 3,96,000 crore for rural India was aimed at in this direction. He said rural roads alone would get Rs 2900 crore and the intention of the government was that by 2019 every village should have a road connectivity and by 2018 each village should be electrified.

He said the Modi government has opened up the economy which was more transparent and the ease of doing business was getting much better attracting foreign investments.

Referring to the abolition of Foreign Investment Promotion Board, Mr Jaitley said that a new mechanism would shortly be in place.

Referring to the aviation sector, he said India currently had 70 functional airports and the government aims to build 35 more to ensure stronger regional connectivity.

He said the GST legislation and demonetisation were two major developments of the Modi government that would lead to greater development.