India’s Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today presented the country's interim budget 2024. The budget showed focus on women and youth. The Finance Minister promised houses to the poor and free electricity to the common people.
At the beginning of the budget speech, the Finance Minister first enumerated the achievements of the Modi government and said that our government believes in empowering the poor. The GDP has increased due to government schemes. She said that for the government, women, group, youth and farmers' welfare is very important and the focus is on them only.
Along with this, there were major announcements made by the Finance Minister in this budget. Here are 10 key points:
No change in tax slab:
The Finance Minister said in his budget speech that this time no change has been made in the tax slab. As before, the income tax limit will remain at Rs 7 lakhs as announced in the Union budget 2023.
Announcement of free electricity:
The Finance Minister announced in his budget speech that in the coming times, rooftop solar panels will be installed in large amounts. Crores of families will benefit from this. She said that this will provide up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
Government will bring housing scheme:
Finance Minister has announced to give houses to the poor. Sitharaman said that the government will bring a new housing scheme to help people living in dilapidated houses, slums or unauthorized colonies in buying their own houses.
The target of 4 crore houses will be fulfilled:
Finance Minister said that Modi government is committed to provide housing to every financially bereft individual. She said that the government has handed over 2 crore houses to the poor and is close to achieving the target of 4 crore houses.
Medical colleges to expand:
Sitharaman said the government is planning to set up more medical colleges by using the existing hospital infrastructure. A committee will be formed for this matter.
Vaccination campaign for cervical cancer:
The government will encourage vaccination for girls aged 9-14 years which helps in reducing the risk for cervical cancer.
Extension of Ayushman Bharat:
Health care cover under Ayushman Bharat has been expanded to all ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and helpers.
Defense expenditure increased:
Finance Minister said that the government has increased defense expenditure by 11.1%.
Indian Railways will be upgraded:
40 thousand coaches of Vande Bharat will be made. The Finance Minister said that 3 separate corridors will be created for more crowded railway routes.
Women become millionaires:
The Finance Minister said that the government has planned to make 3 crore women Lakhpati Didis and till now one crore have been made lakhpatis.