Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman achieved a significant milestone by presenting the interim budget for the sixth consecutive time, matching the record set by former minister Morarji Desai. In her address, Sitharaman outlined key highlights that underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive economic development. Finance Minister Sitharaman categorized the economic focus into four key castes – the poor, women, youth, and farmers – signaling a commitment to address the needs of diverse segments of the population.
One of the remarkable announcements pertained to the liberation of 25 crore people from multi-dimensional poverty over the past decade. Sitharaman critiqued previous poverty alleviation strategies, emphasizing the need for a more effective and impactful approach.
Setting a visionary goal, Sitharaman articulated the government’s determination to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. The Finance Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to farmers by periodically and appropriately increasing minimum support prices. Sitharaman underscored the government’s focus on outcomes rather than outlays, emphasizing the importance of social justice.
In a significant move towards comprehensive healthcare, Sitharaman announced the extension of Ayushman Bharat coverage to all ASHA and anganwadi workers. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, will now cover all ASHA and anganwadi workers, providing Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
Notably, the interim budget maintained stability in income tax slabs, providing a sense of continuity for taxpayers. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal stability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a balanced budget aligned with the nation’s goals and priorities. The acknowledgment from the Prime Minister underscores the collaborative efforts towards economic growth and stability.
As the session progresses towards its conclusion on February 9th, the interim budget sets the stage for India’s economic trajectory. With a clear focus on eradicating poverty, empowering marginalized sections, and prioritizing healthcare, the government is poised to steer the country towards a brighter future. The full budget, slated for presentation in July, is anticipated to provide more comprehensive insights into the government’s fiscal strategies for the upcoming year.
