Two UN agencies – UNDP and WHO – on Tuesday commended the UPA Government for substantially enhancing allocation for social sector schemes in the Union budget despite the economic meltdown.

Welcoming government's decision to keep the common man in focus in the Union budget, country director of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deirdre Boyd said the enhanced funding to social sector will also help India achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs).

She said New Delhi has "very firmly put inclusive growth at the Centre of its policies", which is commendable. "The UNDP always welcomes appropriate spendings in social sectors. It is particularly important in India to address high levels of poverty that is still existing," Boyd said.

In the budget, the Government yesterday provided massive outlay for social sector and rural development to the tune of over Rs 71,000 crore, including Rs 39,100 crore for its key employment scheme NREGA.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also lauded the budget, saying the allocation for the health sector would facilitate providing proper health care to the marginalized section of the society.

"I have nothing but to compliment Government of India for increased allocation for the health sector," WHO representative to India S J Habayeb said.