Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024 today on July 23, 2024. She reiterated the government’s commitment to four sectors – the poor, women, youth, and farmers.
“As mentioned in the interim Budget, we need to focus on 4 different castes, the poor, women, youth and the farmer/ For farmers, we announced higher Minimum Support Prices for all major crops delivering on the promise for at least a 50% margin over cost. PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was extended for 5 years benefitting more than 80 crore people,” she said.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman also announced 5 schemes and initiatives “to facilitate employment, skilling and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over 5 years with a central outlay of Rs 2 lakh crores.” She said, “This year we have made a provision of Rs 1.48 lakh crores for education, employment and skilling…”
Sitharaman said, “Our government will implement three schemes for employment-linked incentives as part of the Prime Minister’s package. These will be based on enrollment in the EPFO and focus on recognition of the first time employees and support to employees and employers. “
She also announced various schemes and budget allocations for education loans, agriculture and allied sectors. Allocation of more than Rs 3 lakh crore for schemes benefitting women and girls was also announced.