Budget 2024 carries 'confidence of continuity': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Interim Budget 2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament today, calling it as “not merely an interim budget but an inclusive and innovative budget”. "This budget carries the confidence of continuity," the PM said, adding that it will empower all pillars of developed India - the youth, the poor, women, and farmers.

Commending FM Sitharaman for her vision, Prime Minister Modi says, "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 adds.

Prime Minister Modi says, "This budget is a reflection of the aspirations of Young India." Highlighted two significant decisions taken in the budget, he says that a fund of ₹1 lakh crore has been announced for research and innovation, while tax exemptions have been extended for startups.

While keeping the fiscal deficit under control, the total expenditure has seen a historic increase to ₹11.11 lakh crore in this budget. In economists’ parlance, this is a kind of sweet spot, he says.

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

Setting ambitious goals, Prime Minister Modi says, "We set a big goal, achieve it, and then set an even bigger goal for ourselves." Highlighting the government's efforts for the welfare of the poor and middle class, he informed about the construction of over 4 crore houses in villages and cities and increasing the target to build 2 crore more houses. Emphasizing the empowerment of women, PM Modi said, "our goal was to make 2 crore 'Lakhpatis' among women. Now, this goal has been increased to make 3 crore 'Lakhpatis'."

Prime Minister Modi praised the Ayushman Bharat Yojana for its significant assistance to the poor, extending its benefits to Anganwadi and ASHA workers.

PM Modi talks about the government’s emphasis to empower the poor and middle class by creating new opportunities for them in this budget. He mentioned the Roof Top Solar Campaign, where 1 crore families will avail free electricity, while also earn an income of ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 per year by selling excess electricity to the government.

The Prime Minister mentioned the income tax remission scheme announced today that will provide relief to about 1 crore citizens belonging to the middle class. Speaking about the major decisions taken for farmer welfare in the budget, Modi mentioned use of Nano DAP, new scheme for animals, expansion of PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and Atma Nirbhar oil seed campaign which will increase the income of farmers and reduce expenses.