Asserting that the Interim Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam carries the confidence of continuity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said it would empower all pillars of developed India: the youth, women, and farmers.

Reacting to the budget proposals, the prime minister said it’s not a mere interim budget but an inclusive and innovative budget.

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Commending the finance minister for her vision, the PM stated, “Nirmala Ji’s budget is a budget for building the future of the country. This budget carries the guarantee of strengthening the foundation of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

He said this budget is a reflection of the aspirations of Young India and highlighted two significant decisions taken in it: a fund of Rs. 1 lakh crore for research and innovation and the extension of tax exemptions for startups.

The PM noted that the total expenditure has seen a historic increase to Rs 11,11,111 crore in this budget while keeping the fiscal deficit under control. “In economists’ parlance, this is a kind of sweet spot,” he said.

He added that the budget aims to create millions of new employment opportunities for the youth along with the creation of modern infrastructure of the 21st century in India. He also spoke about the announcement to manufacture 40,000 modern bogies of Vande Bharat Standard and install them in general passenger trains which will further heighten the comfort and travel experience of crores of passengers on different rail routes of the country.

“We set a big goal, achieve it, and then set an even bigger goal for ourselves,” Mr Modi said. Highlighting the government’s efforts for the welfare of the poor and middle class, he informed about the construction of over four crore houses in villages and cities and increasing the target to build two crore more houses.

Emphasising the empowerment of women, he said, “Our goal was to make two crore ‘Lakhpatis’ among women. Now, this goal has been increased to make 3 crore ‘Lakhpatis’.”

He praised the Ayushman Bharat Yojana for its significant assistance to the poor, extending its benefits to Anganwadi and ASHA workers. He underlined the government’s emphasis on empowering the poor and middle class by creating new opportunities for them in this budget. He mentioned the Roof Top Solar Campaign where one crore families will avail free electricity, while also earning an income of Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 per year by selling excess electricity to the government.

PM Modi mentioned the income tax remission scheme announced today that will provide relief to about one crore citizens belonging to the middle class. Speaking about the major decisions taken for farmer welfare in the budget, he mentioned the use of Nano DAP, a new scheme for animals, and the expansion of PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and Atma Nirbhar oil seed campaign which will increase the income of farmers and reduce expenses.