Jammu: Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports called Union Budget 2023 the first budget of ‘Amrit Kaal’ that would lay a foundation of developed India.
“PM Modi is marching ahead to realize the dream of a developed India. The first budget of ‘Amrit Kaal’ has laid the foundation for this. This Budget focuses on poor, women, labourers, middle class, youth, farmers, SC, ST, OBC and every section of society,” union minister Anurag Thakur said at a press conference, in BJP Headquarters in Jammu, in the presence of J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina, MP (Lok Sabha) Jugal Kishore Sharma, former Minister Pawan Gupta, and party Chief Spokesperson Adv. Sunil Sethi on the Dias.
While enumerating the major points from the Budget 2023-24, Anurag Thakur said, “This is a budget of happiness which is being appreciated by people from all sections and sectors.”
“First-time CAPEX outlay of Rs 10 lakh crore has been made, which is 33% more than the previous Budget. The enhanced CAPAX will strengthen the basic infrastructure and provide opportunities for more employment. Biggest ever outlay of Rs 240000 crore has been made for Railways, which is Nine times higher than the outlay made in 2013-14,” said Thakur.
“In J&K, 3 projects covering 481 kms costing Rs 28440 crore rupees are already under progress,” Thakur said pointing out that during the entire 10 years of the Congress-led UPA government (2009-2014) only Rs 1044 crore were given for infrastructure, whereas in just one financial year (FY2023-24) Rs 6003 crore have been allocated by Modi Government. Under this 4 world-class stations in Budgam, Jammu Tawi, Vaishno Devi, and in Udhampur under Amrit Bharat Stations are also coming up,” Thakur said.
“All nations around the world were struggling during the Covid pandemic but India progressed under the strong leadership of Modi ji. India’s GDP growth remains robust as compared to other countries,” he said.
“A massive 66 per cent increase in the allocation has been made for PM AWAS Yojana. For FY2023-24 Rs 79000 crore has been allocated,” the minister said adding that under PM Awas Yojana 3.5 crore houses were sanctioned, and 3 crores already completed.
“To give financial support to farmers, Rs 20 lakh crore have been provided for Kissan credit. This will largely help small and marginal farmers. For MSME, Rs 2 lakh crore MSME guarantee scheme without collateral loans with less interest rates to be provided,” said Thakur.
“For Youth, lakhs of youth will be trained in the internet of things, AI, 3D printing, etc, under a skill development initiative. Over 47 lakh youth will be part of this initiative and they would also receive a stipend. Besides, 30 Skill India International Centres for training youth, 3 centres of intelligence for AI to be set up,” he said.
“For the middle class, the tax slab has been raised to 7 lakhs which will be a boon. Relief is there in other slabs as well. Income tax processing time is reduced. During Covid times, indirect tax like GST collection has increased and direct taxes have also increased which helps in the infrastructure build-up and public welfare works. During Covid times, interest-free loans for 50 years provided to state governments to help them rebuild their infra, has been further extended to boost development,” said Thakur.
“80 crores poor will get free ration. Priority households will also get free ration under this budget for which Rs 2 lakh crore have been allocated. 11 crore farmers already got kissan samman nidhi costing 226000 crores. Fertilizer and urea rates were not increased. Storage facilities for grains at the Panchayat level enable farmers to sell their crops at their will to get good rates. Millets will be promoted to provide benefits to small farmers. Fisheries is given priority along with dairy and animal husbandry,” said Thakur.
“Tribal areas have been focused on where 740 Eklavya schools will be opened with the recruitment of teachers. Tribal kids are being given scholarships. PM Vikas is started to promote traditional artisans and boost them with modernity,” he said.
