Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is historic and a highway of immense opportunities that will give new momentum to the “reform express” that India is riding.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives to address the media during the budget session of Parliament (PTI File)”This budget realizes the dreams of the present and strengthens the foundation of India’s bright future. This budget is a strong foundation for our high flight towards a developed India (Bhikshit Bharat) by 2047,” he said in his speech after presenting the budget.
He said that the vision of trust-based governance and people-centric economy has been realized in the budget. “This is a unique budget that focuses on reducing fiscal deficit and controlling inflation and the budget combines high capex and high growth,” he said.
He emphasized on the significant steps that had been implemented in tourism, especially in the Northeast, and said the budget laid the foundation for balanced and equitable development.
At a time when India is aiming to become a $5 trillion economy, the Prime Minister said the budget re-empowered the country’s global role and Indians want to become the world’s third largest economy as soon as possible.
“…This is the resolve of billions of countrymen. India’s role as the world’s ‘trusted democratic partner’ and ‘trusted quality supplier’ continues to grow. The major trade deals that India has recently signed – the mother of all deals – should go to the youth of India and the small and medium industries of India,” he said. He appears to be referring to the recently announced trade deal between India and the European Union, among others.
He also credited the budget for giving an ambitious road map for flagship projects like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and said several major steps have been taken to strengthen infrastructure through expansion of dedicated freight corridors, waterways; High-speed rail corridors, and development of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to accelerate India’s journey to development.
“The greatest capital of any country is its citizens. Over the years, our government has made unprecedented investments to enhance the potential of the country’s citizens. Our efforts have been to continuously power efficiency, scale and sustainability. As Nirmala ji said in Parliament today, this is a youth energy budget. It includes the thoughts of the youth, the dreams of the youth, and the determination of the youth,” said the PM.
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The Prime Minister said that the provisions made in the budget will create leaders, innovators and manufacturers in various sectors. “By creating medical hubs, allied health professionals, promoting the orange economy (ie, audio-visual and gaming), encouraging tourism, and the Khelo India mission, new opportunities will open up for the youth,” he said.
For women, another important vote bank for the ruling party, the budget decision to prioritize self-help groups was also underlined by the Prime Minister. “The effort is to bring Goddess Lakshmi to every home. The campaign to build new hostels for girl students in every district will make education accessible,” he said.
Listing the allocations for agriculture, dairy and fisheries, the Prime Minister said the budget has taken several important steps for coconut, cashew, cocoa and sandalwood growers. He added that the ‘Bharat Vishlar AI’ tool will further help farmers by providing information in their own language.
“This budget is ambitious and it also addresses the aspirations of the country…and ensures the welfare of villages, poor and farmers,” he said. Noting that this was Sitharaman’s ninth budget presentation, the prime minister said it was a strong reflection of the country’s Nari Shakti (women power). “As a woman finance minister, Nirmala ji has set a new record by presenting the country’s budget for the ninth time in a row,” he said.
