All eyes are on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she presents the interim Budget for the year 2024 ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha polls due in a few months. Her speech began with prasing the aspirations of Indians as she said the government expected a resounding victory again for its work. Here are the big announcements made by her so far.



  • Sitharaman proposed not to make any changes to the tax slabs

  • Sitharaman said more medical colleges to be set up by utilising the existing hospital infrastructure under various departments

  • She said a new scheme will be launched for strengthening deep-tech technologies for defence purposes and expediting self-reliance.

  • She announced with roof-top solarisatio, one crore households will ve able to get up to 300 units of free electricity.

  • Port connectivity infra projects to be launched in Lakshadweep islands to boost tourism and create employment opportunities, says FM.

  • Govt To Implement 3 Major Railway Corridors, she said.Ayushman Bharat Schemes To Cover ASHA, Anganwadi Workers: FM

  • Healthcare covered under Ayushman Bharat schemes will be extended to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers, says the Union Finance Minister.

  • She announced that the government will launch a housing scheme for the middle class


Promising major development in the nex five years, she said, "The government is equally focused on GDP - Governance, Development and Performance."

 




"The Indian economy has witnessed a profound positive transformation in the last 10 years, The people of India are looking ahead to the future with hope and optimism. With the blessings of the people, when our government - under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi - assumed office in 2014, the country was facing enormous challenges with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas as its mantra. The Government overcame those challenges in right earnest," she added.

 

"We need to focus on - Garib, Mahilayen, Yuva and Annadata; Their needs and aspirations are our highest priorities," Sitharaman added.

 

On women empowerment, she said, "Female enrolment in higher education up by 28% in 10 years, in STEM courses, girls & women make 43% of enrolment, one of the highest in the world. All these steps are reflected in the increasing participation of women in the workforce. Making triple talaq illegal, reservation of 1/3 seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies, over 70 % houses under PM Awas Yojana to women have increased their dignity."