Employment, agricultural productivity, manufacturing among nine priorities outlined by government in Union Budget

The Union Budget 2024-25 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday identified nine priorities for generating ample opportunities.

Presenting the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, she said subsequent budgets will build on these priorities.

The priorities include Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture, Employment and Skilling and Manufacturing and Services

“This Budget envisages sustained efforts on the following nine priorities for generating ample opportunities for all – Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture, Employment and Skilling, Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice, Manufacturing and Service, Urban Development, Energy Security, Infrastructure, Innovation, Research and Development and Next Generation Reforms. Subsequent budgets will build on these and add more priorities and actions,” she said.

She said the interim Budget presented in February this year highlighted the government’s focus in four key areas – poor, women, youth, farmer

“We need to focus on the poor, women, youth, and farmers. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was extended for five years, benefiting more than 80 crore people. For Annadatta, the government announced higher Minimum Support Prices for all major crops,” she said.

Sitharaman said the budget will provide Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education and employment and skills.

She said a strategy is being put in place to enhance production and achieve Atmanirbharata in pulses and oil seeds

The minister said that in the next two years, one crore farmers across the country will be initiated for the natural farming supported by certification and branding. Ten thousand need based bio input resource centres will be established.

She said completion of Polavaram Irrigation Project will help ensure food security of the nation.

The minister also announced measures for welfare of women and girls and for boosting development in the northeastern region.

“Rs 3 lakh crore for schemes benefitting women and girls More than 100 branches of India Post Payment Bank to be set up in the North East region,” she said.