The significant announcements made thus far are being presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the crucial interim Budget preceding the 2024 polls.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has captured the attention of the nation as she unveils the interim Budget for the year 2024, just before the significant Lok Sabha elections scheduled in a few months. Commencing her speech, she expressed admiration for the ambitions of the Indian people, emphasizing the government’s anticipation of another resounding triumph for its endeavors. Let’s now delve into the major declarations she has made thus far…
- Sitharaman suggested maintaining the current tax slabs without any alterations.
- Sitharaman proposed utilizing the existing hospital infrastructure under various departments to establish additional medical colleges.
- She mentioned the launch of a new program aimed at strengthening deep-tech technologies for defense purposes and expediting self-reliance.
- With the implementation of rooftop solarization, one crore households will have the opportunity to receive up to 300 units of free electricity, announced Sitharaman.
- The finance minister stated that port connectivity infrastructure projects will be initiated in the Lakshadweep islands to enhance tourism and create employment opportunities.
- According to the FM, the government will implement three major railway corridors.
- FM announced that ASHA and Anganwadi workers will be covered under the Ayushman Bharat schemes.
- The Union Finance Minister stated that healthcare covered under the Ayushman Bharat schemes will be extended to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers.
- She revealed that the government will introduce a housing scheme specifically for the middle class.
She expressed optimism for significant progress in the next five years, emphasizing the government’s focus on GDP – Governance, Development, and Performance. The past decade has witnessed a remarkable positive transformation in the Indian economy, instilling hope and optimism among the people. When the current government, led by PM Narendra Modi, assumed office in 2014, the country faced immense challenges, which were earnestly overcome with the guiding principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. The government’s highest priorities lie in addressing the needs and aspirations of the marginalized, women, youth, and farmers. Sitharaman highlighted the advancements in women empowerment, such as a 28% increase in female enrolment in higher education over the past decade and significant representation of girls and women in STEM courses. These efforts have resulted in a greater participation of women in the workforce. Additionally, measures like the criminalization of triple talaq, reservation of one-third of seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies, and the allocation of over 70% of houses under PM Awas Yojana to women have contributed to enhancing their dignity.