New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman began her Budget 2024 speech on February 1, underlining and giving estimates for revenue, expenditure, financial performance. The FM’s Budget speech, which is currently underway, will expectedly have key financial details.
Sitharaman also holds the record of presenting 5 Budgets to her kitty, which is also her fifth straight Budget since 2019.
Highlights:
· 300 Units Of Free Electricity Every Month: One crore households in the country will be enabled to avail up to 300 units of free electricity every month through roof-top solarisation, says FM, that follows the resolve of the Prime Minister on the significant day of the consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
· 2 core houses for the poor in the next 5 years: Under the Rural Housing Scheme 2 Cr houses will be built for the poor in the next 5 years. Housing scheme for the middle class.
· Will work on opening more medical colleges in the country
· Boost For Domestic Tourism: In order to boost domestic tourism, projects for port connectivity, tourism infra and amenities will be taken on our islands including Lakshadweep, says FM Sitharaman, adding that the outlay for infrastructure is being hiked to Rs 11.11 lakh crore in FY25.
· Rs 1 lakh crore corpus with 50-year interest-free loan: Rs 1 lakh crore corpus to be established with 50-year interest-free loan being provided. The purpose is for long-term financing or refinancing with low or nil interest rates
· Next 5 Years A Phase Of Unprecedented Development: The upcoming 5 years will see a phase of unprecedented developments. The government will adopt economic policies, improve productivity and create opportunities for all.
· Skill India Mission Trained 1.4 Cr Youth: Higher learning institutions –7 IITs, 16 IIITs, 7 IIMs, 15 AIIMS and 390 Universities –have been set up. Skill India Mission has trained 1.4 crore youth, upskilled and re-skilled 54 lakh youth, and established 3000 new ITIs, says FM
· House for all, water for every house, emphasis on electricity for all, free ration was provided to 80 crore people, MSP was increased for farmers, emphasis was on rural economy, emphasis was on providing benefits of government schemes to all the poor, Government’s focus on women, youth and farmers, work continues on all-round, all-embracing and inclusive development, says FM
· FM Sitharaman in her budget speech has lauded structural reforms, pro-people programme & employment opportunities undertaken by the Modi government, which she said, has helped the economy get new vigour.
