Kangana Ranaut Praises 'Wholesome' 2024 Union Budget by Finance Minister Sitharaman

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut praised the 2024 Union Budget, calling it 'wholesome' and highlighting flood relief for Himachal Pradesh. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized job creation, skilling, and financial support for youth. Various schemes aim to boost employment and education, including incentives for first-time workers and women participation.

BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut commended the Union Budget 2024 on Tuesday, labeling it 'wholesome.' The budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, includes provisions for flood relief in Himachal Pradesh, where Ranaut represents the Mandi constituency.

'We are very happy with the budget,' Ranaut said. She also shared her enthusiasm on Instagram, posting a picture with BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Ravi Kishan with the caption, 'Wholesome budget Parliament budget session.'

In her speech to the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman noted Himachal Pradesh's severe flood losses last year. 'Our government will provide assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation through multilateral development assistance,' she stated.

Sitharaman highlighted the government's focus on employment, skilling, MSMEs, and the middle class. She unveiled a comprehensive package aimed at facilitating job and skill-building opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over the next five years, with a central outlay of Rs two lakh crore.

'This year, I have earmarked Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling,' the minister added. She explained that three new 'Employment Linked Incentive' schemes are part of the Prime Minister's package, focusing on EPFO enrolment and supporting both employees and employers.

Scheme A aims to provide a one-month wage to new formal sector workers, benefiting 210 lakh youth. Scheme B will incentivize manufacturing job creation, assisting 30 lakh new employees and their employers. Scheme C offers EPFO contribution reimbursements to employers for two years, potentially creating 50 lakh jobs.

To increase women's workforce participation, Sitharaman announced plans to establish working women’s hostels, creches, and women-specific skilling programs. A new centrally-sponsored scheme aims to skill 20 lakh youth over five years, with updated course content aligned to industry needs.

The Model Skill Loan Scheme will be revised to offer government-backed loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh, helping 25,000 students annually. Additionally, a financial aid scheme offering Rs 10 lakh loans for higher education and 3% annual interest subvention will benefit 1 lakh students each year.

The final scheme in the Prime Minister's package will provide internship opportunities in 500 leading companies for one crore youth over five years. Participants will receive Rs 5,000 monthly allowances and Rs 6,000 one-time assistance, with companies covering the training cost under their CSR budgets.