New Delhi: Indian industry on February 28 generally welcomed the 2003-04 general Budget, saying the proposals were "great" and "growth-oriented".

Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) director general Tarun Das said, "It is a great Budget and a Budget for growth of Indian economy. It has outlined new strategies for growth with reduction of excise duty."

He said the provisions in the Budget, presented by Finance Minister Jaswant Singh, would increase the purchasing power of the consumers, bringing them back to the market, which would be very good for the Indian economy and industry in particular.

PTI