Four key pillars of the Interim Budget take center stage in Election year

In the recently presented interim Union Budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined a strategic focus on four key demographics – women, youth, farmers, and the economically deprived. The targeted approach is a response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's identification of these groups as crucial, emphasizing the government's commitment to inclusive development.

Empowering women through economic incentives and dignity

Sitharaman highlighted measures aimed at empowering women, including entrepreneurship support, ease of living initiatives, and dignity-focused policies. Notable achievements such as making triple talaq illegal, women's reservation in legislative bodies, and allocating a significant portion of houses under PM Awas Yojana to women were emphasized.

The government's commitment to farmers was underscored by subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and soil testing facilities, along with the annual ₹6,000 under the PM Kisan Nidhi scheme. The focus extends to promoting private and public investment in post-harvest activities, ensuring faster growth of the agriculture sector.

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For the youth, the government has revamped the education policy, enhanced skill development programs, and created an enabling environment for growth. Key initiatives such as the National Education Policy 2020, Skill India Mission, and establishment of educational institutions were highlighted as transformative reforms.

Economic upliftment of the poor and addressing population challenges

Sitharaman asserted that the government has lifted 250 million people out of poverty in the last 10 years through measures like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The emphasis on poverty alleviation aligns with the government's commitment to economic empowerment.

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In addressing India's population challenges, the government announced the formation of a high-powered committee to comprehensively consider the impact of fast population growth and demographic changes, reflecting an ideological concern shared by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The interim budget reflects the government's strategic approach to address specific demographics, setting the stage for future policy decisions and development initiatives.