What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The 2024 interim budget presentation uncovered a comprehensive array of transformative initiatives designed to fortify diverse sectors of the economy and tackle urgent societal issues.
NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim budget for 2024-25, marking her sixth Budget in the Modi government’s second term. Ahead of this significant announcement, she adhered to tradition by meeting President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The budget highlighting transformative initiatives aimed at boosting economic sectors and addressing societal challenges. Key highlights include:
Rooftop Solarisation and Free Electricity: Aiming to benefit 1 crore households, the initiative provides up to 300 units of free monthly electricity through rooftop solarisation. Anticipated benefits include substantial savings and opportunities for surplus electricity sales.
Charging of Electric Vehicles: The budget emphasises entrepreneurship opportunities in electric vehicle manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, contributing to youth employment.
Promotion of Post-Harvest Activities: The government aims to foster private and public investment in post-harvest activities, enhancing the entire agricultural value chain.
Expansion of Nano DAP Application: Building on the success of nano urea, Nano DAP application will be extended to various crops across all agroclimatic zones.
Housing for Middle Class: A new scheme is introduced to assist the middle class in acquiring their own homes, addressing those in rented houses, slums, chawls, or unauthorized colonies.
Expansion of Medical Colleges: Utilising existing hospital infrastructure, the government plans to establish more medical colleges.
Vaccination for Girls: Encouraging vaccination for girls aged 9-14 years to prevent cervical cancer.
Comprehensive Maternal and Child Healthcare Programme: Multiple schemes under maternal and child healthcare will be amalgamated into a comprehensive program for better implementation synergy.
Extension of Ayushman Bharat Coverage: Healthcare cover under Ayushman Bharat will be extended to all ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers.
Agriculture and Food Processing: Efforts to intensify value addition, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance farmers’ income.
Aatma Nirbhar Oilseeds Abhiyan: A strategic initiative to achieve self-reliance in oilseeds through research, modern farming techniques, market linkages, and crop insurance.
Dairy Development Programme: A comprehensive program to support dairy farmers and enhance productivity.
Matsya Sampada: Promotion of investments in fisheries to generate employment opportunities, with a separate department established for fisheries.
Promoting Investments: Measures to encourage sustained foreign investment, including negotiating bilateral investment treaties and providing interest-free loans to support state government reforms.
Societal Changes: Formation of a high-powered committee to address challenges arising from population growth and demographic changes comprehensively.
Revised Estimates for 2023-24: Revised estimates indicate total receipts (other than borrowings) at Rs. 27.56 lakh crores, tax receipts at Rs. 23.24 lakh crores, and a fiscal deficit of 5.8% of GDP.
