During the interim budget presentation in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proclaimed that the Indian economy has undergone a significant positive transformation over the past decade. She emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive development under the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas.”
“In the second term, our government strengthened its vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas,” Sitharaman stated, underscoring the government’s continuous dedication to the welfare of all citizens. Despite the challenges posed by the once-in-a-century pandemic, Sitharaman noted the country’s successful strides towards building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), committed to Panch Pran and laying solid foundations for the Amrit Kaal.
“The country overcame the challenges of the once-in-a-century pandemic to clang stride towards Atmanirbhar Bharat committed to Panch Pran and laid solid foundations for the Amrit Kaal,” said Sitharaman.
Addressing concerns about food security, Sitharaman announced the elimination of worries through the provision of free ration for 80 crore people.
“The worries about food have been eliminated through free ration for 80 crore people,” stated the Finance Minister. She highlighted the impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), noting that savings through DBT channels have enabled more funds for the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, a welfare program for the economically disadvantaged.
“With the pursuit of Sabka Saath, the government has assisted 25 crore people to get freedom from multidimensional poverty in the last 10 years,” Sitharaman mentioned during her Budget speech.
Emphasizing the need to focus on four major pillars— the poor, women, youth, and annadatas (farmers), she declared, “We need to focus on four major pillars — poor, women, youth, and annadatas.”
Highlighting achievements in skill development, Sitharaman noted that the Skill India Mission has successfully trained 1.4 crore youth, contributing to their empowerment and employability. She reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive governance, describing the administration under Prime Minister Modi as “secularism in action.”
“In the last 10 years, we have targeted every household for houses for all, water for all, and cooking gas for all,” Sitharaman declared, emphasizing the comprehensive approach towards addressing basic needs and improving living standards.
Additionally, she revealed that 34 crore Mudra Yojana loans have been extended to women entrepreneurs, promoting financial inclusion and empowerment.
“34 cr Mudra Yojana loans have been given to women entrepreneurs,” said the Finance Minister. The budget presentation concluded with a positive outlook, signaling the government’s determination to continue fostering inclusive growth and development.
As the nation navigates through the uncertainties of the present and builds towards the future, the budget reflects a commitment to the welfare and progress of all citizens. The Budget 2024 is expected to undergo thorough scrutiny and debates in the coming days in the Parliament as stakeholders assess its potential impact on the nation’s economic trajectory.