Union Budget Ushers in Green Mobility and Women Empowerment

The Union Budget aims to reduce pollution and improve connectivity through various initiatives. It emphasizes green mobility, women's empowerment, and support for MSMEs. Key measures include high-speed rail corridors, electric vehicle promotion, increased funding for women-led initiatives, and significant allocations for infrastructure, trade, and welfare.

The Union Budget outlines major investments in high-speed rail corridors and the promotion of electric vehicles to reduce pollution in India's capital, announced Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Dubbed forward-looking, the budget emphasizes a vision for 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' aiming at enhanced connectivity and reduced carbon emissions.

Key initiatives include seven high-speed rail corridors and Rs 5,000 crore allocated for electric vehicles. Sirsa highlighted the budget's inclusive growth focus, increased public borrowing limits, and farmer support via a multilingual AI platform. Women-led FPOs, empowered by a Rs 100 crore allocation, will connect with markets for the first time. Women-centric measures boast an 11% budget increase and Rs 10,000 crore for urban girls' hostels.

A Rs 5 lakh crore scheme supports self-help group women entrepreneurs, while MSMEs benefit from a Rs 10,000 crore growth fund. An Export Promotion Mission and substantial educational investments further enrich the budget. Welfare measures include free food grains for 80 crore people and substantial allocations for healthcare and housing.

(With inputs from agencies.)