Budget 2024: Sitharaman makes big-bang announcements for Bihar, Andhra Pradesh

Union Budget 2024-25: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday began presenting the Union Budget 2024-25 with a focus on the agricultural economy and a boost to employment. The FM announced five new schemes with a central outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore. She announced a Rs 26,000 crore investment for four road-building projects, new medical colleges, and airports in Bihar. 

The Finance Minister also stressed creating sufficient provisions for potable water, electricity, and roads in Andhra Pradesh. 

In the next two years, one crore farmers across the country will be initiated into natural farming, the FM said. “We will strengthen the storage, production, and marketing of pulses and oil seeds,” said the FM. 

In terms of the use of technology in agriculture, digital crop survey using DPI will be conducted in 400 districts, said Sitharaman.  The FM announced a provision of Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors. Besides, the FM announced three Employment Linked Schemes as part of the Prime Minister package. She also announced a scheme to provide one month's wage to all freshers in all formal sectors. 

The FM said people reposted faith in PM Modi-led government, adding that the government was determined that people make substantial progress. The global political uncertainties are a challenge. 

The FM said India's inflation was moving towards a 4 per cent target, adding that the perishable goods supply in the country was uninterrupted. Sitharaman said manufacturing and services, energy security, infra, and next-generation reforms were the key areas. She said there was a huge focus on agri productivity and transforming agri research. 

(Source: Republicbiz)