All eyes are on the upcoming Interim Budget for 2024-2025, a crucial temporary financial plan designed to sustain essential government services until the new administration takes charge post-elections. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to present the Interim Budget 2024 during the Parliament's Budget session.

Budget 2024: Will India's budget hike standard deduction under the new tax regime?

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Interim Budget 2024 today against the backdrop of impending Lok Sabha elections. The Budget is anticipated to emphasize a prudent fiscal approach, prioritizing infrastructure investments over populist measures.

Budget 2024: Expectations from FM Nirmala Sitharaman's sixth budget

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman claimed the government has helped 25 crore people get out of poverty in the last ten years.

India Budget 2024 | Nirmala Sitharaman on poor: 'Garib ka kalyan, desh ka kalyan'

All eyes have turned to Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who will present the Interim Budget 2024-25 at Parliament today. The interim budget will provide estimates of the government's expenditure, revenue, fiscal deficit, financial performance, and projections for the upcoming months.

India Budget 2024: India's aim to bring down fiscal deficit on track

India Budget 2024: India's April-December deficit at 55% of annual target

India Budget 2024: Full budget will be presented after new govt is formed

India Budget 2024: Indian markets marginally up ahead of interim budget

India budget 2024: Indian stocks defy global markets slump ahead of budget

A positive build-up was reflected in Indian markets prior to the Interim Budget. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Interim Budget 2024 today against the backdrop of impending Lok Sabha elections.

Budget 2024: Indian markets marginally up ahead of interim budget

Budget 2024: Indian stocks defy global markets slump ahead of budget

Budget 2024: India to unveil interim budget ahead of polls in April-May

India Budget 2024: India's quest for fiscal discipline

Budget 2024: India to focus on the path of fiscal discipline

India Budget 2024: Decoding economic roadmap

Budget 2024: India's aim to bring down fiscal deficit on track

Budget 2024: Will this Interim Budget bring big reforms for tax payers?

Budget 2024: Farmers, women, the poor and young people are priority

Budget 2024: Indian FM Nirmala Sitharaman leaves for Rashtrapati Bhawan

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to present the Union Budget 2024 in Parliament today. This is Sitharaman's sixth Union Budget. This will be a interim budget as it comes just ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections. The full-fledged budget will be presented by the new government that comes to power after the elections.

Budget 2024: Nirmala Sitharaman to present her sixth straight budget

Budget 2024: India's focus on capital expenditure likely to continue

Budget 2024: All eyes on India's fiscal plan ahead of elections

Budget 2024: What international investors expect?

Budget 2024: India to focus on the path of fiscal prudence

Budget 2024: India to unveil interim budget today

As India eagerly waits for its final budget before the upcoming summer polls to be unveiled, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a roadmap that promises to shape the nation's economic landscape. Industry expectations are high, spanning from infrastructure boosts to manufacturing incentives, import duty tweaks, and crucial tax reforms.

Industry expectations from India's budget

In this budget, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) urges a 20 per cent increase in infrastructure spending. This bold call, coupled with demands for extended manufacturing incentives and adjustments to import duties, sets the tone for an economic blueprint aiming to propel growth in the face of political transition.

The CII outlines key priorities for India's Budget 2024, emphasising the need for growth triggers. The focus spans across vital sectors, reflecting the aspirations of industries looking for policy measures that will foster economic development.

Key focus points: Infrastructure, manufacturing &amp; import duties

As we delve into the specifics, the Confederation of Indian Industry puts forward a comprehensive set of proposals that address crucial sectors. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) pitches for a five-year extension of the concessional tax regime for new manufacturing facilities.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, a flagship initiative, is anticipated to expand into labour-intensive sectors such as apparel, toys, footwear, and chemicals. Import tariffs, proposed for a three-tier duty structure, aim to address concerns where input taxes surpass final goods.

In the gems and jewellery sector, there's a call for lower import duties, while the steel industry seeks higher levies on finished steel to counter rising imports from China.

Critical tax reforms and social spending

As the budget unfolds, the CII outlines critical tax reforms, advocating for an increase in the tax exemption limit linked to inflation to boost consumption. There's a plea for consistency in the capital gains tax structure across asset classes, be it debt, equity, or immovable assets.

In the realm of social spending, a call resonates for increased allocation to healthcare and education. The CII urges the combined efforts of federal and state governments to elevate spending on these critical sectors, addressing current spending gaps.

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reveals India's budgetary roadmap, industries across the spectrum eagerly await the details that will shape the economic trajectory of the nation.

As India eagerly waits for its final budget before the upcoming summer polls to be unveiled, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a roadmap that promises to shape the nation's economic landscape.

As India eagerly waits for its final budget before the upcoming summer polls to be unveiled, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a roadmap that promises to shape the nation's economic landscape. Industry expectations are high, spanning from infrastructure boosts to manufacturing incentives, import duty tweaks, and crucial tax reforms. Industry expectations from India's budget In this budget, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) urges a 20 per cent increase in infrastructure spending. This bold call, coupled with demands for extended manufacturing incentives and adjustments to import duties, sets the tone for an economic blueprint aiming to propel growth in the face of political transition. The CII outlines key priorities for India's Budget 2024, emphasising the need for growth triggers. The focus spans across vital sectors, reflecting the aspirations of industries looking for policy measures that will foster economic development. Key focus points: Infrastructure, manufacturing & import duties As we delve into the specifics, the Confederation of Indian Industry puts forward a comprehensive set of proposals that address crucial sectors. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) pitches for a five-year extension of the concessional tax regime for new manufacturing facilities. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, a flagship initiative, is anticipated to expand into labour-intensive sectors such as apparel, toys, footwear, and chemicals. Import tariffs, proposed for a three-tier duty structure, aim to address concerns where input taxes surpass final goods. In the gems and jewellery sector, there's a call for lower import duties, while the steel industry seeks higher levies on finished steel to counter rising imports from China. Critical tax reforms and social spending As the budget unfolds, the CII outlines critical tax reforms, advocating for an increase in the tax exemption limit linked to inflation to boost consumption. There's a plea for consistency in the capital gains tax structure across asset classes, be it debt, equity, or immovable assets. In the realm of social spending, a call resonates for increased allocation to healthcare and education. The CII urges the combined efforts of federal and state governments to elevate spending on these critical sectors, addressing current spending gaps. As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reveals India's budgetary roadmap, industries across the spectrum eagerly await the details that will shape the economic trajectory of the nation.

Budget 2024: What do industries expect?

India's interim Budget figures show a substantial boost in allocation for Maldives, with the revised budget standing at Rs 770.90 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks an increase from the initial allocation of Rs 400 crore for the same financial year. The island nation has seen the highest increase in allocation by New Delhi for the neighbouring countries it extends financial support.

The increased allocation in the interim Budget reaffirms India's commitment to furthering major infrastructure initiatives and development projects in the Maldives. India is supporting the country's biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP).&nbsp;

New Delhi has kept Rs 600 cr for the counrty for the financial year 2024-2025, indicating that the support will continue.

Similarly, Nepal and Afghanistan also witness an uptick in allocations in the interim&nbsp;Budget. Nepal receives an additional Rs 100 Cr, bringing its total allocation to Rs 650 Cr, while Afghanistan sees a modest increase of Rs 20 Cr, with a revised allocation of Rs 220 Cr. Both figures are allocated in the revised budget for 2023-24.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2024-empowerment-of-women-has-gained-momentum-in-last-10-years-says-nirmala-sitharaman-685891">Watch |&nbsp;Budget 2024: Empowerment of Women has gained momentum in last 10 years, says Nirmala Sitharaman</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2024-empowerment-of-women-has-gained-momentum-in-last-10-years-says-nirmala-sitharaman-685891/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Grants and loans to foreign governments points to India's support for regional developments when it comes to FY 2023-24 budget figures. At the forefront of India's foreign assistance is Bhutan, with a substantial allocation of Rs 2398.97 crore. This significant amount underscores the special relationship between India and Bhutan, emphasising India's role as a key development&nbsp;partner in the region.

Among the recipients, Bangladesh received an allocation of Rs 130 crore, while Mongolia has been allocated Rs 5 crore, emphasising India's engagement with nations beyond its immediate vicinity. Mauritius, Seychelles, and Myanmar receive substantial allocations of Rs 330 crore, Rs 9.91 crore, and Rs 370 crore respectively, highlighting India's efforts to support the socio-economic development of these countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-interim-budget-key-takeaways-from-nirmala-sitharamans-budget-speech-685817">Also read |&nbsp;India interim Budget 2024: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's speech</a>

A notable allocation of Rs 100 crore is earmarked for the Chabahar port project, underlining&nbsp;India's commitment to enhancing connectivity and trade in the region. This allocation reaffirms India's strategic interest in the Chabahar port and its potential to serve as a key gateway for trade and commerce.

India's interim Budget figures show a substantial boost in allocation for Maldives, with the revised budget standing at Rs 770.90 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24.

India's interim Budget figures show a substantial boost in allocation for Maldives, with the revised budget standing at Rs 770.90 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks an increase from the initial allocation of Rs 400 crore for the same financial year. The island nation has seen the highest increase in allocation by New Delhi for the neighbouring countries it extends financial support. The increased allocation in the interim Budget reaffirms India's commitment to furthering major infrastructure initiatives and development projects in the Maldives. India is supporting the country's biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP). New Delhi has kept Rs 600 cr for the counrty for the financial year 2024-2025, indicating that the support will continue. Similarly, Nepal and Afghanistan also witness an uptick in allocations in the interim Budget. Nepal receives an additional Rs 100 Cr, bringing its total allocation to Rs 650 Cr, while Afghanistan sees a modest increase of Rs 20 Cr, with a revised allocation of Rs 220 Cr. Both figures are allocated in the revised budget for 2023-24. Watch | Budget 2024: Empowerment of Women has gained momentum in last 10 years, says Nirmala Sitharaman × Grants and loans to foreign governments points to India's support for regional developments when it comes to FY 2023-24 budget figures. At the forefront of India's foreign assistance is Bhutan, with a substantial allocation of Rs 2398.97 crore. This significant amount underscores the special relationship between India and Bhutan, emphasising India's role as a key development partner in the region. Among the recipients, Bangladesh received an allocation of Rs 130 crore, while Mongolia has been allocated Rs 5 crore, emphasising India's engagement with nations beyond its immediate vicinity. Mauritius, Seychelles, and Myanmar receive substantial allocations of Rs 330 crore, Rs 9.91 crore, and Rs 370 crore respectively, highlighting India's efforts to support the socio-economic development of these countries. Also read | India interim Budget 2024: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's speech A notable allocation of Rs 100 crore is earmarked for the Chabahar port project, underlining India's commitment to enhancing connectivity and trade in the region. This allocation reaffirms India's strategic interest in the Chabahar port and its potential to serve as a key gateway for trade and commerce.

Indian interim Budget figures show increased allocation to Maldives at Rs 770 crore

India's Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1) delivered the final budget under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term. During her budget speech, Sitharaman touched upon the burgeoning electric vehicle&nbsp;(EV) market and remained bullish on it.&nbsp;

The minister said the main emphasis will be on creating a robust manufacturing and charging ecosystem.&nbsp;

"The government will expand and strengthen the electric vehicle ecosystem by supporting manufacturing and charging infrastructure," said Sitharaman.&nbsp;

She added the government will provide entrepreneurship opportunities&nbsp;to give a fillip to&nbsp;the sector.&nbsp;

"Entrepreneurship opportunities to a large number of vendors for supply and installation, employment opportunities for youth with technical skills in manufacturing, installation and maintenance."

The bullish view on the EV sector by the finance minister will help boost the confidence of the public which is still on the fence about switching to EVs. The lack of charging infrastructure has been one of the biggest deterrents to people taking up EVs.&nbsp;

Additionally, the Indian youth with the requisite technical skills will be able to contribute to developing the ecosystem, leading to more employment generation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-ev-market-races-to-catch-up-indias-ev-infrastructure-roadblock-for-buyers-591456">Watch |&nbsp;India's EV market races to catch up | India's EV infrastructure: Roadblock for buyers</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-ev-market-races-to-catch-up-indias-ev-infrastructure-roadblock-for-buyers-591456/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>What about subsidies?</h2>

While the government kept its cards close to its chest regarding subsidies, experts are of the view that when the annual budget is presented after the Lok Sabha elections, a support package to the tune of Rs 12,5000 crore might be announced.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-interim-budget-key-takeaways-from-nirmala-sitharamans-budget-speech-685817">Also read |&nbsp;India interim Budget 2024: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's speech</a>

Notably, the current&nbsp;Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) II scheme expires on March 31. The scheme had an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore. So far, the government has extended 13.6 lakh subsidised vehicles under this scheme against the target of 17 lakh vehicles.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(More to follow)

India's Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1) delivered the final budget under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term. During her budget speech, Sitharaman touched upon the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market and remained bullish on it.

India's Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1) delivered the final budget under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second term. During her budget speech, Sitharaman touched upon the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market and remained bullish on it. The minister said the main emphasis will be on creating a robust manufacturing and charging ecosystem. "The government will expand and strengthen the electric vehicle ecosystem by supporting manufacturing and charging infrastructure," said Sitharaman. She added the government will provide entrepreneurship opportunities to give a fillip to the sector. "Entrepreneurship opportunities to a large number of vendors for supply and installation, employment opportunities for youth with technical skills in manufacturing, installation and maintenance." The bullish view on the EV sector by the finance minister will help boost the confidence of the public which is still on the fence about switching to EVs. The lack of charging infrastructure has been one of the biggest deterrents to people taking up EVs. Additionally, the Indian youth with the requisite technical skills will be able to contribute to developing the ecosystem, leading to more employment generation. Watch | India's EV market races to catch up | India's EV infrastructure: Roadblock for buyers × What about subsidies? While the government kept its cards close to its chest regarding subsidies, experts are of the view that when the annual budget is presented after the Lok Sabha elections, a support package to the tune of Rs 12,5000 crore might be announced. Also read | India interim Budget 2024: Key takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman's speech Notably, the current Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) II scheme expires on March 31. The scheme had an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore. So far, the government has extended 13.6 lakh subsidised vehicles under this scheme against the target of 17 lakh vehicles. (More to follow)

India Budget 2024: Govt to expand EV infra and develop more entrepreneurship opportunities

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1) addressed the lower house of the parliament and presented the interim Budget in a speech that lasted an hour.&nbsp;

Here are the key takeaways from the Sitharaman's budget speech:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>No change in&nbsp;taxation scheme 
	 
	Sitharaman said there will be no change in the taxation scheme, both in direct and indirect brackets. Notably, there is no tax liability for individuals with income up to Rs 7 lakh under the new regime. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>India’s real GDP projected to grow at 7.3 per cent in FY 2023-24 
	 
	As per the First Advance Estimates of National Income of FY 2023-24, presented with the Finance Minister’s speech, India’s Real GDP is projected to grow at 7.3 per cent. This is in line with the upward revision in growth projections for FY2023-24 by the RBI in December 2023 from 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent, prompted by strong growth in Q2 of FY2023-24.</li>
	<li>
	Fiscal deficit in 2024-25 is estimated to be 5.1 per cent of GDP

	Referring to the fiscal consolidation, as announced in her Budget Speech for 2021-22, to reduce fiscal deficit below 4.5 per cent by 2025-26, Sitharaman said, the fiscal deficit in&nbsp;2024-25 is estimated to be 5.1 per cent of GDP, adhering to that path.
	</li>
	<li>
	Capex outlay increased by 11.1 per cent to Rs 11,11,111 crore

	Sitharaman announced that the capital expenditure outlay for the next year is being increased by 11.1 per cent to Rs 11,11,111 crore, which would be &nbsp;3.4 per cent of the GDP.&nbsp;She said, this is in the wake of building on the massive tripling of the capital expenditure outlay in the past four&nbsp;years resulting in huge multiplier impact on economic growth and employment creation. 
	&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li>Focus on four major castes&nbsp; 
	 
	During the speech, Sitharaman said the PM Modi government was focusing on four major castes viz.&nbsp;‘Garib’ (Poor), ‘Mahilayen’ (Women), ‘Yuva’ (Youth) and ‘Annadata’ (Farmer). 
	 
	"Their needs, their aspirations, and their welfare are our highest priority. The country progresses, when they progress. All four require and receive government support in their quest to better their lives. Their empowerment and well-being will drive the country forward," she said.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Revised estimate for fiscal deficit 
	 
	Revised estimate for fiscal deficit is 5.8 per cent&nbsp;of GDP. FY25 fiscal deficit budgeted at 5.1 per cent&nbsp;of GDP. The finance minister said the borrowing by the central government will facilitate credit to the private sector. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Domestic tourism 
	 
	The government will be giving a major filip to the domestic tourism industry, including spiritual tourism, reflecting the recent Hindu renaissance.&nbsp; 
	 
	"Our middle class also now aspires to travel and explore. Tourism, including spiritual tourism, has tremendous opportunities for local entrepreneurship. States will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres, branding and marketing them at the global level."&nbsp;</li>
	<li>
	Medical colleges

	The government is planning to set up more medical colleges by utilising existing hospital infrastructure. A committee will be set up to examine issues and make recommendations.
	</li>
	<li>
	300 units free electricity&nbsp; 
	 
	People availing the government’s newly-announced rooftop solar programme would be entitled to free electricity worth 300 units every month.&nbsp; 
	 
	"Savings up to fifteen to eighteen thousand rupees annually for households from free solar electricity and selling the surplus to the distribution companies," she said.&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li>
	Housing for middle class

	A scheme to be launched to help deserving sections of the middle class living in rented houses or slums or chawls or unauthorised colonies to buy or build their own houses.&nbsp;PM Awas Yojana aims to build two&nbsp;crore houses 
	 
	<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-budget-2024-govt-to-launch-housing-scheme-for-middle-class-685824">Also read |&nbsp;India Budget 2024: Govt to launch housing scheme for middle class</a>
	</li>
	<li>
	Railways: Vande Bharat trains 
	 
	Sitharaman said as many as 40,000 normal train bogeys across the country will be converted to "Vande Bharat" coaches to enhance passenger comfort as well as safety.&nbsp; 
	 
	"We have a fast-expanding middle class, and rapid urbanisation is taking place. Metro and NaMo Bharat can be the catalyst for the required urban transformation." 
	 
	<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-budget-2024-for-railways-fm-sitharaman-says-3-major-economic-corridor-programmes-to-be-implemented-685834">Also read |&nbsp;India budget 2024: For railways, FM Sitharaman says 3 major economic corridor programmes to be implemented</a>
	</li>
	<li>
	Maternal and child health care 
	 
	Various schemes under maternal and child health care to be brought under one comprehensive programme for synergy in the implementation.&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li>
	FDI now means First Develop India 
	 
	Sitharaman said FDI now means 'First Develop India' and between 2014 to 2023, FDI stood at $596 billion, five times the amount received during 2005-14.
	</li>
</ul>

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1) addressed the lower house of the parliament and presented the interim Budget in a speech that lasted an hour.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1) addressed the lower house of the parliament and presented the interim Budget in a speech that lasted an hour. Here are the key takeaways from the Sitharaman's budget speech: No change in taxation scheme Sitharaman said there will be no change in the taxation scheme, both in direct and indirect brackets. Notably, there is no tax liability for individuals with income up to Rs 7 lakh under the new regime. India’s real GDP projected to grow at 7.3 per cent in FY 2023-24 As per the First Advance Estimates of National Income of FY 2023-24, presented with the Finance Minister’s speech, India’s Real GDP is projected to grow at 7.3 per cent. This is in line with the upward revision in growth projections for FY2023-24 by the RBI in December 2023 from 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent, prompted by strong growth in Q2 of FY2023-24. Fiscal deficit in 2024-25 is estimated to be 5.1 per cent of GDP Referring to the fiscal consolidation, as announced in her Budget Speech for 2021-22, to reduce fiscal deficit below 4.5 per cent by 2025-26, Sitharaman said, the fiscal deficit in 2024-25 is estimated to be 5.1 per cent of GDP, adhering to that path. Capex outlay increased by 11.1 per cent to Rs 11,11,111 crore Sitharaman announced that the capital expenditure outlay for the next year is being increased by 11.1 per cent to Rs 11,11,111 crore, which would be 3.4 per cent of the GDP. She said, this is in the wake of building on the massive tripling of the capital expenditure outlay in the past four years resulting in huge multiplier impact on economic growth and employment creation. Focus on four major castes During the speech, Sitharaman said the PM Modi government was focusing on four major castes viz. ‘Garib’ (Poor), ‘Mahilayen’ (Women), ‘Yuva’ (Youth) and ‘Annadata’ (Farmer). "Their needs, their aspirations, and their welfare are our highest priority. The country progresses, when they progress. All four require and receive government support in their quest to better their lives. Their empowerment and well-being will drive the country forward," she said. Revised estimate for fiscal deficit Revised estimate for fiscal deficit is 5.8 per cent of GDP. FY25 fiscal deficit budgeted at 5.1 per cent of GDP. The finance minister said the borrowing by the central government will facilitate credit to the private sector. Domestic tourism The government will be giving a major filip to the domestic tourism industry, including spiritual tourism, reflecting the recent Hindu renaissance. "Our middle class also now aspires to travel and explore. Tourism, including spiritual tourism, has tremendous opportunities for local entrepreneurship. States will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres, branding and marketing them at the global level." Medical colleges The government is planning to set up more medical colleges by utilising existing hospital infrastructure. A committee will be set up to examine issues and make recommendations. 300 units free electricity People availing the government’s newly-announced rooftop solar programme would be entitled to free electricity worth 300 units every month. "Savings up to fifteen to eighteen thousand rupees annually for households from free solar electricity and selling the surplus to the distribution companies," she said. Housing for middle class A scheme to be launched to help deserving sections of the middle class living in rented houses or slums or chawls or unauthorised colonies to buy or build their own houses. PM Awas Yojana aims to build two crore houses Also read | India Budget 2024: Govt to launch housing scheme for middle class Railways: Vande Bharat trains Sitharaman said as many as 40,000 normal train bogeys across the country will be converted to "Vande Bharat" coaches to enhance passenger comfort as well as safety. "We have a fast-expanding middle class, and rapid urbanisation is taking place. Metro and NaMo Bharat can be the catalyst for the required urban transformation." Also read | India budget 2024: For railways, FM Sitharaman says 3 major economic corridor programmes to be implemented Maternal and child health care Various schemes under maternal and child health care to be brought under one comprehensive programme for synergy in the implementation. FDI now means First Develop India Sitharaman said FDI now means 'First Develop India' and between 2014 to 2023, FDI stood at $596 billion, five times the amount received during 2005-14. (With inputs from agencies)

India Budget 2024: ‘Garib, Mahilayen, Yuva, Annadata,’ key takeaways from Sitharaman’s speech

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that, empowerment of women through entrepreneurship, ease of living and dignity has gained momentum in last 10 years. She also added that female enrollment in higher education has gone up by 28% in 10 years whereas in STEM courses, girls and women constitute 43% of enrollment, one of the highest in the world.

India Budget 2024 | FM Nirmala Sitharaman: India successfully defied pandemic slowdown'

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) presented the interim Budget speech in the Lok Sabha,&nbsp;lower house of the Parliament,

During her sixth straight budget, Sitharaman announced a slew of revolutionary schemes for a variety of industries. Here are some you must know.

<h2>Solar Energy</h2>

During her interim Budget speech, Sitharaman announced that through rooftop solarisation, one crore (10 million) households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity every month.&nbsp;

She said that this scheme follows the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the historic day of consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-budget-2024-250-million-people-came-out-of-poverty-in-the-last-10-years-fm-sitharaman-685845">India Budget 2024 | 250 million people came out of poverty in the last 10 years: FM Sitharaman</a>

The scheme, as per the Indian Finance Minister will create entrepreneurship opportunities for numerous vendors in regards to supply and installation. It is also expected to generate employment opportunities for the youth with technical skills in manufacturing, installation and maintenance.

Furthermore, households are likely to save up to 15,000-18,000 rupees annually. They will also be empowered to sell the surplus power, if any, to distribution companies.

<h2>Oil Seeds</h2>

To achieve "atmanirbharta" (self-reliance) for oil seeds, a strategy would be formulated, announced Sitharaman. The strategy, she said will cover "research for high-yielding varieties, widespread adoption of modern farming techniques, market linkages, procurement, value addition, and crop insurance." &nbsp;

<h2>Dairy Industry</h2>

To exploit India's status as world's largest milk producer, a comprehensive programme for supporting dairy farmers will be formulated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-interim-budget-nation-has-successfully-navigated-the-global-challenges-says-fm-sitharaman-685829">India interim Budget: Nation has successfully navigated global challenges, says FM Sitharaman</a>

As per Sitharaman, this would be built on "the success of existing schemes such Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, and Infrastructure Development Funds for dairy processing and animal husbandry."

<h2>Fisheries</h2>

To further enhance India's fisheries industry, the aquaculture productivity will be increased from existing three to five tonnes per hectare.

Additionally, exports will be doubled to one lakh crore (one trillion rupees). This would help generate&nbsp;around 55 lakh (5.5 million) employment opportunities.

Watch:&nbsp;India Budget 2024 | Nirmala Sitharaman on poor: 'Garib ka kalyan, desh ka kalyan'

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-budget-2024-nirmala-sitharaman-on-poor-garib-ka-kalyan-desh-ka-kalyan-685835/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Electric Vehicle Ecosystem</h2>

To expand and strengthen the e-vehicle ecosystem, the government plans to support manufacturing and charging infrastructure.&nbsp;

<h2>Bio-manufacturing and Bio-foundry</h2>

To promote green growth, a new scheme of bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry will be launched.&nbsp;

This, Sitharaman said "will provide environment friendly alternatives such as biodegradable polymers, bio-plastics, bio-pharmaceuticals and bio-agri-inputs."

Thursday's budget was the last budget of the second term of the Narendra Modi led BJP government.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) presented the interim Budget speech in the Lok Sabha, lower house of the Parliament, During her sixth straight budget, Sitharaman announced a slew of revolutionary schemes for a variety of industries.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Feb 1st) presented the interim Budget speech in the Lok Sabha, lower house of the Parliament, During her sixth straight budget, Sitharaman announced a slew of revolutionary schemes for a variety of industries. Here are some you must know. Solar Energy During her interim Budget speech, Sitharaman announced that through rooftop solarisation, one crore (10 million) households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity every month. She said that this scheme follows the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the historic day of consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Also read | India Budget 2024 | 250 million people came out of poverty in the last 10 years: FM Sitharaman The scheme, as per the Indian Finance Minister will create entrepreneurship opportunities for numerous vendors in regards to supply and installation. It is also expected to generate employment opportunities for the youth with technical skills in manufacturing, installation and maintenance. Furthermore, households are likely to save up to 15,000-18,000 rupees annually. They will also be empowered to sell the surplus power, if any, to distribution companies. Oil Seeds To achieve "atmanirbharta" (self-reliance) for oil seeds, a strategy would be formulated, announced Sitharaman. The strategy, she said will cover "research for high-yielding varieties, widespread adoption of modern farming techniques, market linkages, procurement, value addition, and crop insurance." Dairy Industry To exploit India's status as world's largest milk producer, a comprehensive programme for supporting dairy farmers will be formulated. Also read | India interim Budget: Nation has successfully navigated global challenges, says FM Sitharaman As per Sitharaman, this would be built on "the success of existing schemes such Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, and Infrastructure Development Funds for dairy processing and animal husbandry." Fisheries To further enhance India's fisheries industry, the aquaculture productivity will be increased from existing three to five tonnes per hectare. Additionally, exports will be doubled to one lakh crore (one trillion rupees). This would help generate around 55 lakh (5.5 million) employment opportunities. Watch: India Budget 2024 | Nirmala Sitharaman on poor: 'Garib ka kalyan, desh ka kalyan' Electric Vehicle Ecosystem To expand and strengthen the e-vehicle ecosystem, the government plans to support manufacturing and charging infrastructure. Bio-manufacturing and Bio-foundry To promote green growth, a new scheme of bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry will be launched. This, Sitharaman said "will provide environment friendly alternatives such as biodegradable polymers, bio-plastics, bio-pharmaceuticals and bio-agri-inputs." Thursday's budget was the last budget of the second term of the Narendra Modi led BJP government.

India Budget 2024: Revolutionary steps announced for solar, dairy and fisheries industries - check details

"Our government is working with an approach to development that is all-round, all-pervasive and all-inclusive," said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the interim budget.

Budget 2024: Government working on all-round, all-pervasive, all-inclusive growth, says Sitharaman

india-budget

India Budget, News on India Budget, stories on India Budget, articles on India Budget, India Budget stories at Wion, India Budget news, India Budget latest news

india budget