Union Budget 2024-25 Unveils Nine Key Priorities for Growth

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25, emphasizing nine key areas for growth, including agriculture productivity, employment, and urban development. Future budgets will expand on these priorities to create ample opportunities.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday, spotlighting nine essential priorities aimed at creating abundant opportunities. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman assured that future budgets will further build upon these defined areas.

The outlined priorities encompass Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture, Employment and Skilling, Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice, Manufacturing and Services, Urban Development, Energy Security, Infrastructure, Innovation, Research and Development, and Next Generation Reforms. 'This Budget envisages sustained efforts on these nine priorities to generate ample opportunities for all,' Sitharaman stated.

Highlighting the interim budget's focus on vulnerable groups, Sitharaman reiterated the government's dedication to the poor, women, youth, and farmers. She emphasized the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for five more years, benefiting over 80 crore people, along with increased Minimum Support Prices for major crops.

Sitharaman announced a Rs 1.48 lakh crore allocation for education and employment skills, with a focus on achieving self-reliance in pulses and oil seeds production. In the coming two years, one crore farmers will be trained in natural farming, supported by bio input resource centers. Additionally, the Polavaram Irrigation Project's completion is expected to bolster national food security.

For the welfare of women and girls, Sitharaman revealed Rs 3 lakh crore dedicated to relevant schemes. She also announced plans to establish over 100 branches of India Post Payment Bank in the North East region to foster regional development. (ANI)