1 February 2024
Sandeep Dhand (Ludhiana)
In a historic session at the new Parliament building, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim budget for the financial year 2024-25, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a social justice model. Sitharaman highlighted the successful implementation of various schemes aimed at reaching the grassroots, with a primary focus on the welfare of the poor, women, youth, and farmers.
Addressing the agricultural sector, Sitharaman reported a substantial increase in the economic income of farmers, attributing it to the elevated Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops. Notably, 11 crore farmers benefited from the Samman Nidhi initiative, while an additional 4 crore farmers reaped rewards from the PM crop scheme.
Turning attention to poverty alleviation, the Finance Minister announced a significant milestone – 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, underscoring the government’s dedication to the welfare of the less privileged. Sitharaman shared that a substantial sum of 33 lakh crore rupees has been disbursed directly into the accounts of the poor, contributing to a reduction in inflation.
Emphasizing the importance of housing for all, Sitharaman pledged to construct an additional 2 crore houses over the next five years. The commitment to building homes reflects the government’s holistic approach to addressing the needs and aspirations of the people, especially the underprivileged.
As the Finance Minister concluded her address, she reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the poor, women, youth, and farmers, asserting that their needs and aspirations remain at the forefront of policy decisions. The interim budget signals a comprehensive strategy towards achieving both social justice and economic growth in the coming financial year.