Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

In her <keyword id="19906106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Interim-Budget" source="keywords">Interim Budget</keyword> speech in February 2024, <keyword id="20385790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Union Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> celebrated what she termed as the Modi government's landmark achievement: unleashing 'nari shakti' or women's power through various initiatives since 2014. Among these, the creation of one crore 'Lakhpati Didis' — women whose annual household income exceeds one lakh rupees — under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), has garnered significant attention. <h2>The hype around it </h2>Imagine being a <keyword id="20416259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lakhpati-Didi" source="keywords">Lakhpati Didi</keyword> — a rural woman whose annual household income exceeds Rs. 1 lakh. These women are not just financial achievers; they are community leaders who inspire others through their entrepreneurial journeys. Their success stories highlight the transformative impact of self-help groups (SHGs) and collective action in rural India. Launched amid much fanfare on August 15, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme aims to empower women through diverse skill development programs, from producing LED bulbs to operating agricultural drones. Partnering with entities like Patanjali, Flipkart, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the initiative also focuses on branding and marketing these products, ostensibly connecting women with credit lines and MUDRA loans for financial support. Almost an year on, the scheme is all set to get some well-deserved boost in the Budget 2024 to be presented on July 23. However, the time also apt to examine if it has actually contributed to <keyword id="20009191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-empowerment" source="keywords">women empowerment</keyword> in the country. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111915324" title="Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to table Economic Survey in Parliament today" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>The reality check </h2>Critics argue that such schemes may inadvertently tether women's SHGs to corporate networks, potentially benefiting transnational agribusiness giants aligned with the government. Programs like 'Namo Drone Didi', allocated Rs. 500 crore in the Interim Budget, exemplify this trend by integrating women into digital agriculture, albeit under the influence of corporate agendas. Further, while the Interim Budget championed the narrative of women's economic prosperity, it failed to adequately address their basic needs. Despite claims of empowerment, essential schemes such as PM Awas Yojana (Rural) and Har Ghar Jal have seen significant budgetary underspending, raising concerns about the government's commitment to women's welfare beyond mere rhetoric. For instance, the underutilisation of funds in Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and the shrinking allocations for crucial subsidies like nutrition and education further highlight the disconnect between budgetary outlays and on-ground impact. This trend suggests a shift in responsibility towards state governments without commensurate support from the Union government, leaving vulnerable populations like widows and rural women at risk. Overall, the well-intentioned narrative around the scheme needs better translation and execution on ground to achieve desired outcomes. <h2>Looking ahead </h2>Until now, the budgetary allocation for women-centric programs have remained disproportionately low, with the Ministry of Women and Child Development having been allocated Rs 26,000 crore in 2024-25, an increase of 2.52% compared to the previous budget. This paltry investment underscores a broader pattern of neglecting systemic issues such as gender-based violence, social discrimination and pro-corporate stance. As Budget 2024 approaches, stakeholders eagerly anticipate policies that not only boost economic growth but also empower rural women as entrepreneurs and leaders. While Lakhpati Didi stands poised to empower rural women with opportunities and support, more steps are needed to make it more sustainable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111689743" title="Union Budget 2024: A handy FAQ guide to decode the upcoming budget" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Budget 2024: Can Lakhpati Didi Yojana’s reality inspire better focus on women?

Wooing the middle class ahead of the general elections, Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> on Thursday announced a scheme to help those living in rented accommodations or slums to acquire a house. Parallely, she also announced building 2 crore more houses for the rural poor in the next five years under the continuing <keyword id="3905678" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM-Awas-Yojana" source="Orion">PM Awas Yojana</keyword> (Grameen). Presenting a vote on account for 2024-25, also known as interim budget for the period till the new government comes into office after general elections, she said the Modi government in the last 10 years has endeavoured to provide each a house, water, electricity, cooking gas and bank account as part of the inclusive development. "Our government will launch a scheme to help deserving sections of the middle class 'living in rented houses, or slums, or chawls and unauthorized colonies' to buy or build their own houses," she said. The finance minister highlighted that the implementation of the PM Awas Yojana (Grameen) continued despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Despite the challenges due to COVID, implementation of PM Awas Yojana (Grameen) continued and we are close to achieving the target of three crore houses. Two crore more houses will be taken up in the next five years to meet the requirement arising from increase in the number of families," she said. In order to achieve the target of 'Housing for All' in rural areas, the <keyword id="19910940" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-rural-development" source="keywords">Ministry of Rural Development</keyword> is implementing Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G) with effect from 1st April 2016 to provide assistance to eligible rural households. The overall target is to construct 2.95 crore pucca houses with basic amenities by March 2024. The central assistance under PMAY-G is released directly to the State/UT considering the State/UT as a unit. Further release of these funds to beneficiaries in various Districts/Blocks/GPs is done by the respective State Government/UT Administration. "The amount of Central Share of funds released to the States/UTs for construction of houses under PMAY-G during the last five years, which is from the financial year 2018-19 to 2022-23 was around Rs 1,60,853.38 crore," according to an official statement in December.

Govt to launch scheme to help middle class buy or build own house; 2 cr more rural houses

New Delhi, Feb 4 (IANS) Focus on the rural economy in the budget has been waning over the years and in such a scenario a revival of the rural economy would take time, <keyword id="45949" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="jm-financial" source="Orion">JM Financial</keyword> said in a report. In the absence of a specific focus on the rural economy in the <keyword id="6360189" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="union-budget" source="Orion">Union Budget</keyword> for 2023-24, analysts don't see immediate triggers for revival in the rural economy. Moreover in the absence of specific or enhancement of allocation towards the rural economy, we believe that the rural environment would have to revive on its own. Hence we would view businesses dealing with price sensitive low ticket items as less likely to benefit, JM Financial said. An attempt is made to make the new tax regime more attractive after getting a low response in FY23, however we believe the benefits in the form of tax saving on enhanced no-tax limit (INR 0.2mn) is unlikely to spur demand in a meaningful manner, JM Financial said in a report. Unlike the anticipation by a section of the market, rural focus was missing in the budget announcements. The expectations of a populist budget was linked to 9 state elections in 2023, moreover with FY24 being the last full year budget before the general elections in CY24. However, we believe that the schemes relating to empowerment of women <keyword id="75772" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="self-help-groups" source="Orion">Self Help Groups</keyword>, artisans and setting up of digital infra for agriculture and farmer centric solutions would provide opportunities in the rural economy to improve their livelihood, JM Financial said. Moreover, the budgetary allocation towards rural centric schemes like <keyword id="6361863" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mgnrega" source="Orion">MGNREGA</keyword> and PM <keyword id="865803" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="gram-sadak-yojana" source="Orion">Gram Sadak Yojana</keyword> has been declining ever since FY22. Even the sentiments as collated by CMIE show a declining trend in the rural economy ever since June '22 whereas the sentiments in the urban economy seem to be holding up well, JM Financial said. In the absence of a specific focus on the rural economy, we don't see immediate triggers for revival in the rural economy, the report said. The latest rabi sowing has been progressing well even on a higher base of last year, except in the case of wheat. Subsidy burden has been the major pain point in India's fiscal, led by rising fertilizer and food prices. Fertilizer subsidy was increased by INR 1.1tn in FY23 over and above the budgeted figures of INR 1.05tn. Allocation towards fertilizer subsidy has been made to the extent of INR 1.75tn in FY24. We believe with easing inflationary pressures, the government could have limited the allocation to INR 1.4tn, as fertilizer prices have moderated by 40% from its peak. However, the geo-political situation is still in a flux and the government's higher allocation seems prudent at this juncture. Food subsidy has been pegged at INR 1.97tn (vs INR 2.9tn FY23RE), as the outlay would be reduced with the discontinuance of the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana. On an overall level, subsidies form 1.2% of GDP vs 1.9% in FY23RE. Past data indicates that the exuberance or otherwise relating to the budget day normalizes within a month in the equity markets. Moreover, a substantial positive performance in Nifty was witnessed in the week following the budget day only during FY16, FY20 and FY21. The personal income tax changes in the Union Budget affect many but the impact is low, Credit Suisse said in a report. The split of salary income by income groups shows that while the number of filings is mostly by low-income groups, the bulk of the taxes come from high income. 56% of the filers belong to the low-income group but they add to just 2% of the tax collected. People earning more than Rs 10mn are less than 1%, but they add to 10% of the tax collected, the report said. Inflows from small savings deposits have shrunk considerably. Small saving deposits for government have been declining, and at the current pace, can be 20% YoY lower for FY23. This may still be marginally better than budgeted, though these flows are generally larger nearer to the year-end. While bank deposit rates have risen considerably, NSSF rates remained low for most of FY23, were raised in Jan-2023. The Centre continues to remain dependent on small savings flows to fund the deficit, Credit Suisse said.

Revival of rural economy to take time in the absence of triggers: JM Financial

The country will add 1.25 lakh kilometers of roads under phase III of PM Gram Sadak Yojana spending ₹ 80,250 crore. While presenting budget allocation for the ministry of roads and highways, the Finance minister mentioned the projects undertaken in the last four years. She said, “ The <keyword id="2844663" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharatmala">Bharatmala</keyword>, Sagarmala and Udaan projects have worked towards reducing rural and urban divide.” She also called for One Nation, One Card for connectivity. Sitharaman also pushed for public private in metros to develop metros across the country and aid completion of sanctioned projects. The metro rail project has also been a milestone setter as 300 km of new projects were approved, while 210 km stretch operationalised. The total length of metro rails have now reached 657 km. Comprehensive restructuring of <keyword id="6373156" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-highways">national highways</keyword> programme under the 2nd phase of the Bharatmala project is also set to be operationalised. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">YEAR </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">BUDGET ALLOCATION </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">2018-19 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;"> ₹ 78625.5 crore </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;">2019 (interim) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;"> ₹ 80016 crore </td></tr></tbody></table> In the Interim Budget, the government had increased the budget for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways by 5.58%. Highways sector is one of the best performing areas. The government expenditure in the area went up from ₹ 34,345 crore in 2014-15 to ₹ 78,625 crore in 2018-19. India’s road transport network is amongst the longest in the world, with over 5.5 million kms. The network aids the movement of almost 64.5% of all goods in the country and 90% of its passenger traffic. The ministry has big plans coming up in the next few years. By 2022, the ministry has plans to construct 200,000 km of national highways in the country. For financial year 2019 itself, the ministry has set target to award 15,000 km projects and construction of 10.000 km of national highways. A total of about 295 major projects for bridges and roads are also expected to be completed during the same period. The ministry’s Bharatmala project is its latest high end endeavour, which aims at improving connectivity in border and other areas. The project is set to cost ₹ 5.5 trillion for the development of about 50,000 km of road networks.

Union budget 2019: Will lay 1.25000 kms of rural roads says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

The NDA government headed by <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> has been focusing enough on the rural development as evident from the allocation of funds towards this sector through the consecutive budgets presented by the government during its five year term starting from 2014-15. While presenting the budget for the fiscal year, the Finance Minister <keyword id="42575" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arun-Jaitley">Arun Jaitley</keyword> remarked that the government would spend Rs 14.34 lakh crores in the rural areas of the country that will lead to creating employment opportunities of 321 crore person days besides developing the rural infrastructure significantly. In addition to creating enough employment opportunities to the rural folk, the 2018-19 budget also intended to construct 3.17 lakh km of roads, 1.88 crore toilets, and 51 lakh houses. The budget speech of Jaitley observed that 1.75 crores of new households would receive electricity connections. While talking about the merits of the 2018-19 budget in terms of creating enough room to facilitate the rural development in the country, Rural development minister Narendra Singh Tomar praised that the budget under reference was the one for ‘New India’ which would lead to the comprehensive development of the nation. The Modi government increased the budgetary allocation for the Rural Development Ministry to Rs 1.124 lakh crores for 2018-19 from Rs 1.054 lakh crores. The ministry estimated a total expenditure of Rs 1.09 lakh crores in the financial year 2018-19. “The government is committed to the overall development of the country and like the current year, the Modi government has allocated highest ever amount of Rs 55,000 crores to the MNREGA for the next fiscal,” Tomar said. While the 2017-18 budget allocated Rs 48,000 crores to MNREGA, the 2018-19 budget increased it to Rs 55,000 crores. The ministry estimated that the scheme will need a spending of Rs 55,000 crores in the year 2018-19. Also the allocation of funds to different schemes under the National Social Assistance Program rose up to Rs 99.75 crores from Rs 95 crores allocated during the last fiscal year. The allocation towards the flagship scheme of the NDA government for rural roads ‘<keyword id="126970" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pradhan-Mantri-Gram-Sadak-Yojana">Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana</keyword> (PMGSY)’ remained unchanged over the two budgets remaining at Rs 19,000 crores. While talking about the proposals as part of the 2018-19 budget, Jaitley highlighted about the government’s intention to augment the agriculture and rural development along with the developments across other sectors. He said, “As my proposals outlined indicate, focus of the government next year will be on providing maximum livelihood opportunities in rural areas by spending more on livelihood, agriculture and allied activities and construction of rural infrastructure.” Pushing it up significantly from Rs 4,500 crores (2017-18 budget), Jaitley said the allocation for the <keyword id="180113" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Rural-Livelihood-Mission">National Rural Livelihood Mission</keyword> (NRLM) was increased to Rs 5,750 crores in the 2018-19 budget. The loans given to the women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the country touched about Rs 42,500 crores in 2016-17. The government voiced its confidence that the SHG loans will increase to Rs 75,000 crores in the fiscal year 2018-19. However, the budget allocation for the rural <keyword id="35061" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="housing">housing</keyword> scheme PMGAY (Gramin) came down significantly to Rs 21,000 crores for the year 2018-19 from Rs 23,000 crores allocated in the 2017-18 budget.

How budget allocations for rural development in India fare

<ul><li>By 2022, all villages will have water, electricity and clean cooking facilities. </li><li>Additional deduction of up to ₹1,50,000 for interest paid on loans borrowed up to March 31, 2020 for purchase of an affordable house valued up to ₹45 lakh. </li><li>Enhance surcharge on individuals having taxable income from ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore and ₹5 crore and above so that effective tax rates for these two categories will increase by around 3 % and 7 % respectively. </li></ul>The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled her maiden Budget covering aspects of startups, education, home loans, disinvestment and many others. Here are key announcements made by her, from her Budget speech. The Indian economy will grow to become a $3 trillion dollar economyin the current year. In Purchasing Power Parity terms, we are in fact, the third largest economy already, only next to China and the USA. Rail &amp; Land Railways should take up Public Private Partnership in Railways to unleash faster development and completion of tracks, rolling stock manufacturing and delivery of passenger freight services. Current (house) rental laws are archaic and do not address the relationship between the Lessor and the Lessee realistically and fairly. A Model Tenancy Law will also be finalized and circulated to the states. Large public infrastructure can be built on land parcels held by Central Ministries and Central Public Sector Enterprises all across the country. Through innovative instruments such as joint development and concession, public infrastructure and affordable housing will be taken up. Small businesses &amp; Artisans Government will create a payment platform for MSMEs to enable filing of bills and payment thereof on the platform itself. Pension benefits to about three crore retail traders and small shopkeepers whose annual turnover is less than ₹1.5 crore, is extended. The Scheme of Fund for Upgradation and Regeneration of Traditional Industries’ (SFURTI) envisions setting up 100 new clusters during 2019-20 which will aid 50,000 artisans. The Scheme contemplates to set up 80 Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) and 20 Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) in 2019-20 to develop 75,000 skilled entrepreneurs in agro-rural industry sectors. FDI &amp; Disinvestment The Government will examine suggestions of further opening up of FDI in aviation, media (animation, AVGC) and insurance sectors in consultation with all stakeholders. 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will be permitted for insurance intermediaries. Local sourcing norms will be eased for FDI in single brand retail sector. I propose to increase the statutory limit for foreign portfolio investors (FPI) investment in a company from 24% to sectoral foreign investment limit with option given to the concerned corporates to limit it to a lower threshold. FPIs will be permitted to subscribe to listed debt securities issued by ReITs and InvITs. The cumulative resources garnered through Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and toll operate transfers exceeded ₹24,000 crore. Government is setting an enhanced target of ₹1,05,000 crore of disinvestment receipts for the financial year 2019-20. It is right time to consider increasing minimum public shareholding in the listed companies. I have asked SEBI to consider raising the current threshold of 25% to 35%. I propose to initiate steps towards creating an electronic fund raising platform – a social stock exchange - under SEBI to list social enterprises. Rural Growth By 2022, I would like to assure the nation that every single rural family, except those who are unwilling to take the connection will have electricity and a clean cooking facility. In the second phase of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana –Gramin, 1.95 crore houses are proposed to be provided to the eligible beneficiaries. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana phase III will look to upgrade 1,25,000kms of roads over the next five years, with an estimated cost ofRs 80,250 crore. Water &amp; Sanitation Ensuring India’s water security and providing access to safe and adequate drinking water to all Indians is a priority of the Government. A new Mantralaya will look at the management of water resources. It will work to ensure Har Ghar Jal (piped water supply) to all rural households by 2024 under the Jal Jeevan Mission. More than 95% of cities also have been declared ODF. More than 45,000 public and community toilets across 1700 cities have been uploaded on Google maps, covering more than 53% of India’s urban population. Women &amp; Education An amount of₹400 crore has been provided under the head, “World Class Institutions”, for FY 2019-20, more than three times the revised estimates for the previous year. I propose to start a programme, ‘Study in India’, that will focus on bringing foreign students to study in our higher educational institutions For every verified women SHG self-help group member having a Jan Dhan Bank Account, an overdraft of 5,000 shall be allowed. One woman in every SHG will also be made eligible for a loan up to1 lakh under the MUDRA scheme. Banks &amp; NBFCs Public Sector Banks are now proposed to be further provided ₹70,000 crore capital to boost credit for a strong impetus to the economy. For purchase of high-rated pooled assets of financially sound NBFCs, amounting to a total of Rupees one lakh crore during the current financial year, Government will provide one time six months' partial credit guarantee to Public Sector Banks for first loss of up to 10%. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the regulator for NBFCs.However, RBI has limited regulatory authority over NBFCs.Appropriate proposals for strengthening the regulatory authority of RBI over NBFCs are being placed in the Finance Bill. I am proposing to return the regulation authority over the housing finance sector from NHB to RBI. To facilitate on-shoring of international insurance transactions and to enable opening of branches by foreign reinsurers in the International Financial Services Centre, it is proposed to reduce Net Owned Fund requirement from₹ 5,000 crore to₹1,000 crore. India’s sovereign external debt to GDP is among the lowest globally at less than 5%. The Government would start raising a part of its gross borrowing programme in external markets in external currencies. Lowering Tax We continue with phased reduction in corporate tax rates. Currently, the lower rate of 25% is only applicable to companies having annual turnover up to ₹250 crore. I propose to widen this to include all companies having annual turnover up to ₹400 crore. This will cover 99.3% of the companies. Our government will provide additional income tax deduction of ₹1.5 lakh on the interest paid on loans taken to purchase electric vehicles. This amounts to a benefit of around ₹2.5 lakh over the loan period to the taxpayers who take loans to purchase electric vehicle. Interest paid on housing loans is allowed as a deduction to the extent of ₹2 lakh in respect of self-occupied property. I propose to allow an additional deduction of up to ₹1,50,000 for interest paid on loans borrowed up to March 31, 2020 for purchase of an affordable house valued up to₹45 lakh. This will translate into a benefit of around ₹7 lakh to the middle class home-buyers over their loan period of 15 years. Levying taxes I propose to levy tax deducted at source TDS of 2% on cash withdrawal exceeding ₹1 crore in a year from a bank account. Business establishments with annual turnover more than ₹50 crore shall offer such low cost digital modes of payment to their customers and no charges or Merchant Discount Rate shall be imposed on customers as well as merchants. I propose to enhance surcharge onindividualshaving taxable income from ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore and ₹5 crore and above so that effective tax rates for these two categories will increase by around 3 % and 7 % respectively. Duties Import of defence equipment that are not being manufactured in India are being exempted from basic customs duty. To encourage domestic publishing and printing industry, 5% custom duty is being imposed on imported books. I propose to increase Special Additional Excise duty and Road and Infrastructure Cess each by one Rupee a litre on petrol and diesel. It is also proposed to increase custom duty on gold and other precious metals from 10% to 12.5%. Nominal basic excise duty is being imposed on tobacco products and crude oil. Aadhar &amp; Startups I propose to consider issuing Aadhaar Card for Non-Resident Indians with Indian Passports after their arrival in India without waiting for 180 days. I propose to make PAN and Aadhaar interchangeable and allow those who do not have PAN to fileIncome Taxreturns by simply quoting their Aadhaar number andalso use it wherever they are required to quote PAN. To resolve the so-called ‘angel tax’ issue, the start-ups and their investors who file requisite declarations and provide information in their returns will not be subjected to any kind of scrutiny in respect ofvaluations of share premiums. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup></colgroup><tbody></tbody></table>

Union Budget 2019 Highlights: FM levies more tax on the Super-rich, while making home loans cheaper for the middle class

On August 16th, a day after India’s 71st Independence Day, Atal Bihari <keyword id="40921" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vajpayee">Vajpayee</keyword>, the former Prime Minister, passed away in New Delhi at the age of 93. Vajpayee led the central government from 1998 to 2004, and till date is the only Indian Prime Minister from a party other than the Congress to complete a full term. The former <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword> leader is set to be joined in this regard by current PM Narendra Modi, when the latter completes his term in May next year. Vajpayee has long been credited with moderating the BJP’s political position with his centrist <keyword id="35497" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="policies">policies</keyword> and socioeconomic reforms, thereby offering voters a viable national alternative to the Congress. A nine-time member of the Lok Sabha and two-time Rajya Sabha MP, he leaves a lasting legacy, and will be remembered for a slew of progressive and bold policies. Here are five of them:- Privatisation Vajpayee made privatisation a key component of his economic agenda when he set up the disinvestment ministry in 1999. Over the course of his tenure as PM, he oversaw the divestment of government holdings in more than 30 non-strategic public-sector companies such as VSNL, Maruti, Hindustan Zinc and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. What makes this policy all the more impressive is that Vajpayee had to overcome a considerable amount of opposition, not only from rival parties but from within his own Cabinet to implement it. Nuclearisation In May 1998, a month after his government came to power, Vajpayee ordered the commencement of five nuclear tests in Rajasthan’s Pokhran district. The move, which signalled India’s nuclear ambitions, drew the ire of Western powers, but it also highlighted India’s ability to defend itself from its neighbour Pakistan, which was building its own nuclear capability at the time. He always maintained that India would not use nuclear weapons first, stating that they would never be “weapons of aggression”. <keyword id="6354776" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telecom">Telecom</keyword> Upon his death, Vajpayee was hailed as “the father of modern telecom in India” by leaders in the industry. Under his National Telecom policy, which was introduced in 1999, Vajpayee opened up the sector and implemented a number of structural reforms such as making mobile service providers offer services on a revenue share basis as opposed to a fixed-fee arrangement. This led to a reduction in call rates, a dramatic surge in mobile subscribers and encouraged competition among telecom operators. Roads and infrastructure While Vajpayee was prime minister, he launched a number of massive infrastructure projects to develop India’s roads and railway network. His government approved and funded the operations of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which completed the first phase of the Delhi Metro in 2006. He also championed the Golden Quadrilateral scheme, a project to link all four of India’s major urban centers - Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata - by highways. Most importantly, though, was his Pradhanmantri Gramin Sadak Yojna scheme to improve road connectivity in India’s rural regions. <keyword id="45865" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indo-Pak">Indo-Pak</keyword> relations and Kargil Vajpayee made a number of steps to cement ties with Pakistan, such as the establishment of the Delhi-Lahore bus service in February 1999. He took the bus to Lahore and met with Nawaz Sharif, who was the leader of Pakistan at the time. Their meeting culminated in the signing of the Lahore Treaty, which outlined the country’s plans to steer clear of nuclear warfare. The goodwill was shortlived, however. A full-scale war took place in Kargil the following June. In July 2001, Vajpayee pushed for a peace summit with his new Pakistani counterpart, Pervez Musharraf in Agra. An agreement never materialised over the course of the summit, but not for his lack of trying.

Here are 5 policies that former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be remembered for

The Narendra Modi government on Thursday increased the <keyword id="151047" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="rural-development-ministry" source="Orion">rural development ministry</keyword>'s budget to Rs 1.77 lakh crore for 2024-25 from last year's Rs 1.57 lakh crore, an increase of around 12%. However, when compared to the revised estimates, a mid-year review of expenditure done by the ministry that stood at Rs 1.71 lakh crore, the increase is 3%. In the interim budget presented in Parliament by Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword>, the allocation for the flagship Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for 2024-25 was Rs 86,000 crore, around 43% more than Rs 60,000 crore made in the last budget. However, the revised estimate shows the expenditure on the scheme in the last financial year was Rs 86,000 crore, same as the allocation made for the coming fiscal. In 2022-23, the government had allocated Rs 73,000 crore for the scheme, while the actual expenditure, according to that year's budget document, was Rs 90,805 crore. In 2021-22, Rs 73,000 crore was allocated to the scheme under the rural development ministry, while Rs 98,467.85 crore was the actual expenditure. In 2020-21, Rs 1.11 lakh crore was spent on the scheme, according to budget documents. The scheme provides guaranteed 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to at least one member of every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. It also earmarks at least one-third of jobs for women. In her pre-election budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman also announced that another two crore houses will be constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin in the next five years. The allocation for the scheme was Rs 54,500 crore in the budget presented. In 2023-24, Rs 54,487 crore was provided for the PMAY(G). However, the revised estimate stands at Rs 32,000 crore, around 41% of the allocated amount. Sitharaman also announced that the target for creating '<keyword id="20414665" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lakhpati-didis" source="keywords">Lakhpati Didis</keyword>' has been increased from two crores to three crores. Under the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative, which comes under DAY-NRLM, each self-help group (SHG) household is encouraged to take up multiple livelihood activities coupled with value chain interventions, resulting in a sustainable income of Rs 1 lakh or more per year. The allocation for the National Livelihood Mission-Ajeevika was Rs 15,047 crore, around six% more than last year's Rs 14,129.17 crore. The revised estimate for the scheme also stands at Rs 14,129.17 crore. The allocation for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna has come down. The allocation in this budget for 2024-25 was Rs 12,000 crore against Rs 19,000 crore last time. The expenditure according to the revised estimate was Rs 17,000 crore.

Budget allocation for rural development ministry up by 12%

New Delhi, Jan 31 () The government has decided to invest more than Rs 100 lakh crore on building modern infrastructure in the country with a special emphasis on connectivity, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Friday.
 In a bid to improve connectivity, the government will also focus on creation of new highways, waterways, airways and I-ways (IT infrastructure), the President said addressing the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament, on the first day of the Budget session here.
 "The poor and the middle-class hope and aspire for a modern 21st century infrastructure in the country. To fulfil this aspiration of the people more than Rs 100 lakh crore will be invested in the next five years. With a special emphasis on connectivity, the government is also focusing on creation of new highways, new waterways, new airways, and new I-ways," the President said.
 Rapid progress is being made towards providing better public transport facilities in urban areas, Kovind said adding, metro facility has now been extended to 18 cities in the country.
 So far, 670-km of metro lines have been operationalised, and work on another 930-km is underway, he said and added the residents of Delhi and NCR have greatly benefitted from the construction of Delhi-Meerut Expressway, as well as from Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
 He further said inland waterways are also being developed by the government and in December 2019, for the first time, container cargo reached Pandu in Assam via National Water Way-2.
 Under the Jal Marg Vikas Project, the multi-modal terminal at Haldia on River Ganga and the navigation lock at Farakka will be completed this year, Kovind said adding, it is also our endeavour to operate large transport cargo vessels on River Ganga by next year.
 On air connectivity, he said about 35 lakh people have so far travelled by air under the UDAN scheme and last year, 335 new air routes have been approved.
 Rural roads contributed significantly to the country's infrastructure, he said and added 1.25 lakh kilometers road will be constructed and upgraded under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna.
 Rural roads have now been expanded to every corner of the country through the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, he said adding third phase of the programme has been launched to strengthen rural roads and connect them to schools, hospitals and agricultural markets.
 On Noth East connectivity he said: "More than the physical distance of the North East from Delhi, it was the emotional disconnect that disheartened the people of the region. My Government has transformed this situation by working tirelessly during the last five years. Work is being done at an unprecedented pace in the North East to enhance connectivity, strengthen infrastructure and make people's lives easier."
 As a result of the government's efforts, he said by 2022, the capitals of Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland will be connected with the rail network.
 "The work on Agartala-Akhaura rail link is also progressing at a fast pace. In the year 2022, the construction of the new airport being built at 'Holongi' in Arunachal Pradesh will also be completed," he added.
 The President said, during the last few years, there has been extraordinary development of infrastructure related to tourism.
 "Recently a nationwide programme has been launched from Kolkata for conservation and beautification of the heritage buildings of the country. The tourism sector is also being strengthened by the modern infrastructure being developed under Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD schemes. New records are being created every day in the number of tourists visiting the 'Statue of Unity', the statue of Sardar Patel; which is the tallest in the world," he emphasised.
 Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) is a government scheme that focuses on identifying and developing the pilgrim sites across the country. NAM DRR

Over Rs 100 lakh cr to be spent in next 5 yrs on building modern infrastructure: Prez

New Delhi, Mar 26 () Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced 5 kg of wheat or rice and one kg of preferred pulses free-of-cost every month for the next three months for 80 crore poor across the country to deal with the economic impact of the lockdown amid coronavirus outbreak.As many of 20.5 crore women Jan Dhan Account holders will get Rs 500 per month for next three months to run their households.For poor senior citizens, widow and disabled will get an ex-gratia of Rs 1,000.Also, the daily wage under MNREGA has been increased to Rs 202 a day from Rs 182 to benefit 5 crore workers.The minister said the government will front-load Rs 2,000 payment to farmers in the first week of April under the existing PM Kishan Yojana to benefit 8.69 crore farmers.Also, the beneficiaries of Ujjwala LPG scheme will get free cooking gas for the next three months, she said.This forms part of the Rs 1.70 lakh crore Gramin Kalyan Package. DP ANZ BALBAL

Govt to provide 5 kg grains, 1 kg pulses for free over next 3 months: FM

<ul><li><keyword id="7706673" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> is kicking off pre-budget consultations with India's farm sector.</li><li>Officials from the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry will meet the FM today with their demands.</li><li>The allocation for agriculture including subsidised loans jumped 90% in the vote on account presented ahead of the elections in February.</li><li>Rural India has been reeling in economic distress and the uncertainty around monsoon may add to its woes this year.</li></ul> The Budget allocation for agriculture has risen to 90% in the interim Budget from ₹678 billion in the 2018-19 Budget estimates to ₹1.3 trillion. But the Agriculture Ministry officials are demanding more in the upcoming budget on July 5, the first in Narendra Modi government's second term. The officials will meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for pre-Budget discussions on Tuesday (May 11) and are likely to seek more funds for Interest Subsidy for Short Term Credit to Farmers and for Market Intervention Schemes from what has been allocated to in the interim Budget. Rural India has been reeling in economic distress and the uncertainty around monsoon may add to its woes this year. Over 80 million Indians are directly or indirectly reliant on agriculture for livelihood. Interest subvention is provided to farm financiers like NABARD, regional rural banks, cooperative banks, public sector banks and scheduled private sector banks for providing short term credit to farmers at subsidized rate of interest. The Agriculture Ministry will also have budgetary allocation for animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries. In the interim Budget, the government had proposed creation of a separate department for fisheries and a 2% interest subvention on loans to fish farmers to help boost seafood production and exports. Since this sector is a employment-intensive and export-based, the ministry will seek favourable policies towards the sector. The interim Budget has allocated ₹18,000 crore for the interest subsidy and Rs 3,000 crore for the Market Intervention Scheme and Price Support Scheme (MIS-PSS). Given the stress on doubling farmers' income by 2022 and improving the lot of the farmers even before that, these two schemes may be picthed by the farm ministry for more allocation in the Budget. The Income Support Scheme has been budgeted at ₹75,000 crore in 2019-20 where as ₹20,000 crore was budgeted last fiscal since the scheme was operational in 2018-19. The ministry are likely to pitch for the market linkage infrastructure, including warehousing and processing of farm produce. Rural Development Rural Development Ministry representatives, who will be meeting the FM along with officials from the Agriculture Ministry, has already seen its allocation up by 5% in the interim Budget. The ministry is the nodal department for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMAY-G), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), besides some other Centrally-sponsored schemes. With inputs from IANS SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/there-is-a-lot-of-bad-news-that-modi-has-to-budget-for-this-year/articleshow/69635372.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">There is a lot of bad news that Modi has to budget for this year</a>

India's farm sector allocation jumped 90% in the February budget-- but it needs more

Minister <keyword id="42575" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arun-Jaitley">Arun Jaitley</keyword> presented the Union Budg2017, his fourth annual <keyword id="6358021" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget">budget</keyword>, today. The highlights of Budget 2017 are : 
 
 
Monetary policy to be expansionary in major economies 
 
More steps will be taken to benefit farmers and the weaker sections; budget being presented during weak global economy 
 Pace of remonetisation has picked up; <keyword id="3315394" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="demonetisation">demonetisation</keyword> effects will not spill over to next year 
 
Functional autonomy of the railways to be maintained 
 
Demonetisation will help in transfer of resources from tax evaders to government: 
 
Merger of Railways Budget with General Budget brings focus on a multi-modal approach for development of railways, highways and inland water transport 
 
Only transient impact on economy due to demonetisation; long term benefit include higher GDP growth and tax revenue 
 
GDP will be bigger, cleaner after demonetisation 
 Effects of demonetisation not expected to spill over to the next year, says <keyword id="6355261" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-minister">Finance Minister</keyword> 
 
 Effects of demonetisation not expected to spill over to the next year, says <keyword id="25455" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="finance">Finance</keyword> Minister 
 
 
Govt took two tectonic policy initiatives - passage of GST Bill and demonetisation 
 
Demonetisation was a continuation of series of measures taken by govt in 2 yrs; it is bold and decisive measure 
 
We are seen as engine of global growth; IMF sees India to grow fastest in major economies 
 
36 pc increase in FDI flow; forex reserves at USD 361 billion in January enough to cover 12 months needs 
 
CAD declined from 1 pc last year to 0.3 pc in first half of current fiscal: FM 
 
 
India has emerged as bright spot in the world: FM 
 
 
Uncertainty around commodity prices especially oil to have impact on emerging economies: FM 
 
Double digit inflation has been controlled; sluggish growth replaced by high growth; war on blackmoney launched: FM 
 
We have moved from discretionary based administration to policy based administration: FM Jaitley 
 
Agricultural sector is expected to grow at 4.1 per cent this fiscal, says Jaitley 
 
Demonetisation was a bold and decisive strike in a series of measures to arrive at a new norm of bigger, cleaner and real GDP 
 
Committed to double farm income in 5 yrs 
 
Plan, non-plan classification of expenditure done away with in the Budget for 2017-18 to give a holistic picture 
 
Mini labs by qualified local entrepreneurs to be set up for soil testing in all 648 krishi vigyan kendras in the country 
 
Budget presentation advanced to help begin implementation of schemes before onset of monsoon 
 
We will continue the process of economic reform for the benfit of poor 
 
Spend more in rural areas, infra, poverty alleviation, while maintaining fiscal prudence as guiding principle of Budget 
 
Our agenda for next year is to transform, energise and clean India 
 <keyword id="6354424" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Bank">World Bank</keyword> expects GDP growth rate at 7.6 pc in FY18 and 7.8 pc in FY19 
 
Allocation under MNREGA increased to 48,000 crore from Rs 38,500 crore. This is highest ever allocation 
 
Rs 9,000 cr higher allocation for payment of sugarcane arrears 
 
Target of agriculture credit fixed at Rs 10 lakh cr in 2017-18 
 
Tax administration honouring the honest is one of the 10 pillars of Budget 2017-18 
 
National Testing agency to conduct all examinations in higher education, freeing CBSE and other agencies 
 
133-km road per day constructred under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana as against 73-km in 2011-14 
 
Govt to set up dairy processing fund of Rs 8,000 crore over three years with initial corpus of Rs 2,000 crore 
 
1 cr households to be brought out of poverty under Antodya Scheme 
 
Participation of women in MNREGA increased to 55 pc from 45 pc in past 
 
Modern law on contract farming will be drafted and circulated to states 
 
Dedicated micro-irrigation fund to be created with a corpus of Rs 5000 crore 
 
Market reforms will be undertaken, states will be asked to denotify perishables from Essential Commodities Act 
 
Space technology to be used for monitoring MNREGA implementation 
Sanitation coverage in villages has increased from 42 pc in Oct 2016 to 60 pc, a rise of 18 pc, says FM 
 
We propose to provide safe drinking water to 28,000 arsenic and fluoride affected habitations 
 
To construct one crore houses by 2019 for homeless. PM Awas Yojana allocation raised from Rs 15,000 cr to Rs 23,000 cr 
 
100 pc electrification of villages to be completed by May 2018 
 
27,000 cr on to be spend on PMGSY; 1 cr houses to be completed by 2017-18 for houseless 
 
PM Kaushal Kendras will be extended to 600 districts; 100 international skill centres to be opened to help people get jobs abroad 
 
The allocation for rural agri and allied sector in 2017-18 is record Rs 1,81,223 crore 
 
In higher education, we will undertake reforms in UGC, give autonomy to colleges and institutions 
 
A system of annual learning outcome in schools to be introduced; innovation fund for secondary education to be set up 
 
Two new AIIMS to be set up Jharkhand and Gujarat 
 
New rules regarding medical devices will be devised to reduce their cost 
 
1.5 lakh health sub centres to be converted to Health Wellness Centres 
 
National Housing Bank will refinance indiviual loans worth Rs 20,000 crore in 2017-18 
 
Rs 500 cr allocated to set up Mahila Shakti Kendras; Allocation raised from Rs 1.56 lakh cr to Rs 1.84 lakh cr for women &amp; child welfare. 
 
Capital and development expenditure pegged at Rs 1.31 lakh cr for railways in 2017-18 from Budget 
 
Allocation for SCs increased from Rs 38,833 cr to Rs 52,393 cr, a rise of 35 per cent 
 
35 pc increase in allocation for SC to Rs 52,393 cr 
 
For senior citizens, Aadhaar based health cards will be issued 
 
Model Shops and Establishment Bill to open up additional opportunities for employment of women 
 
Select airports in tier-II cities to be taken up for operations, development on PPP mode 
 
New metro rail policy to be unveiled 
 
Railway tariffs to be fixed on the basis of cost, social obligation and competition 
 
Service charge on e-tickets booked through IRCTC will be withdrawn 
 
Delhi and Jaipur to have solid waste management plants and five more to be set up later 
 
Government proposes Coach Mitra facility to redress grievances related to rail coaches 
 
500 stations will be differently abled by providing lifts and escalators 
 
Unmanned railway level crossings to be eliminated by 2020 
 
Railway line of 3,500 km will be commissioned in 2017-18 as against 2,800 km in 2016-17 
 
Total allocation for rural, agri and allied sectors for 2017-18 is a record Rs 1,87,223 cr, up 24 per cent from last year 
 
Rs 1 lakh cr corpus for railway safety fund over five years 
 
A scheme for senior citizens to ensure 8 per cent guaranteed returns 
 
Dedicated micro-irrigation fund to be set up by NABARD to achieve mission of Per Drop, More Crop 
 
Digi Gaon will be launched to promote tele-medicine and education 
 
Crude oil strategic reserves to be set up in Odisha and Rajasthan apart from 3 already constructed 
 
Coverage of Fasal Bima Yojana to go up from 30 pc of cropped area to 40 pc in 2017-18 and 50 per cent next year 
 
For transport sector, including railways, road and shipping, government provides Rs 2.41 lakh crore 
 
Allocation of Rs 10,000 cr for Bharat Net project for providing high-speed broadband in FY18 
 
Allocation for national highways stepped up to Rs 64,000 cr from Rs 57,676 cr 
 
Budget allocation for highways stepped up to Rs 64,000 crore in FY18 from Rs 57,676 crore 
 
Dispute resolution in infrastructure projects in PPP mode will be institutionalised 
 
Rs 2,74,114 crore allocated for defence expenditure, excluding pension; This includes Rs 86,000 crore for defence capital 
 
Govt to further liberalise FDI policy 
 
Over 90 per cent of FDI proposls are now processed through automatic route 
 
FIPB will be abolished 
 
Trade Infrastructure Export Scheme to be launched in 2017-18; total allocation for infra at record Rs 3.96 lakh cr 
 
Second phase of solar power development to be taken up with an aim of generating 20,000 MW 
 
After demonetisation on Nov 8 last year, deposit of between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 80 lakh made in 1.09 cr bank accounts at an average of Rs 5.03 lakh till Dec 30 
 
More funds beyond Rs 10,000 cr for recapitalisation of banks will be provided if needed 
 
The shares of railway CPSCs like IRCTC and IRFC to be listed on various stock exchanges 
 
We are largely a tax non-compliant society 
 
New ETF with diverse stocks will be launched in 2017-18 
 
Of 76 lakh individuals who reported income of over Rs 5 lakh, 56 lakh are salaried 
 
Integrated public sector oil major to be created to match global giants 
 
Govt will amend the Multi-state Cooperative Act to protect the poor and gullible investors 
 
Urgent need to protect poor from chit fund schemes, draft bill placed in public domain 
 
Computer emergency response team to be set for cyber security of financial sector

You Searched For "PM gramin sadak yojana" and got 12 results

Budget 2024: Can Lakhpati Didi Yojana’s reality inspire better focus on women?

Ashmita Gupta

Govt to launch scheme to help middle class buy or build own house; 2 cr more rural houses

PTI

Revival of rural economy to take time in the absence of triggers: JM Financial

IANS

Union budget 2019: Will lay 1.25000 kms of rural roads says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

BI India Bureau

How budget allocations for rural development in India fare

BI India Bureau

Union Budget 2019 Highlights: FM levies more tax on the Super-rich, while making home loans cheaper for the middle class

BI India Bureau

Here are 5 policies that former Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be remembered for

Dilsher Dhillon

Budget allocation for rural development ministry up by 12%

PTI

Over Rs 100 lakh cr to be spent in next 5 yrs on building modern infrastructure: Prez

PTI

Govt to provide 5 kg grains, 1 kg pulses for free over next 3 months: FM

PTI

India's farm sector allocation jumped 90% in the February budget-- but it needs more

Sriram Iyer

Union Budget 2017: Here are the highlights so far

BI India Bureau

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides