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The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has been allocated a total of Rs 1,225.27 crore in the <keyword id="20093202" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fiscal-year" source="keywords">fiscal year</keyword> 2024-2025, a marginal increase of 0.02 per cent from the previous year's revised estimate of Rs 1,225.01 crore. The <keyword id="19936553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget" source="keywords">budget</keyword> emphasises the continuation and expansion of key programmes aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities through various schemes and projects. A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to the National Program for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, with Rs 615.33 crore allocated for this fiscal year, up from Rs 502 crore in the revised budget for 2023-24. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has been allocated a total of Rs 1,225.27 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25, a marginal increase of 0.02 per cent from the previous year's revised estimate of Rs 1,225.01 crore. This programme includes Rs 315 crore for <keyword id="22518195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Assistance-to-Disabled-Persons" source="keywords">Assistance to Disabled Persons</keyword> for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances, an increase from Rs 305 crore. The <keyword id="22518194" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Deendayal-Disabled-Rehabilitation-Scheme" source="keywords">Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme</keyword> has seen a notable increase from Rs 130 crore to Rs 165.00 crore. Additionally, the Scheme for Implementation of the <keyword id="22345050" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Persons-with-Disabilities-Act" source="keywords">Persons with Disabilities Act</keyword> is allocated Rs 135 crore, more than doubling the previous year's revised estimate of Rs 67 crore. <keyword id="21579628" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Educational-support" source="keywords">Educational support</keyword> remains a priority, with Rs 142.68 crore earmarked for Scholarships for Students with Disabilities. This is slightly down from the previous year's Rs 155 crore but continues to reflect a commitment to empowering students with disabilities through higher education opportunities. The department's support for autonomous bodies includes significant funding, although there are some reductions compared to the previous year. The National University of Rehabilitation Science and Disability Studies and the Rehabilitation Council of India maintain steady allocations. However, funding for the Centre for Disability Sports has been reduced from Rs 76 crores to Rs 25 crores. Support to national institutes is set at Rs 370 crore, a decrease from the revised estimate of Rs 408.75 crore. The budgetary support to the national trust is reduced from Rs 35 crore to Rs 25 crore. Public sector undertakings, such as the <keyword id="22518196" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-handicapped-finance" source="keywords">National Handicapped Finance</keyword> and Development Corporation and the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, have been allocated a combined total of Rs 194 crore, maintaining consistent support for these critical organisations. The establishment expenditure for the central administration, including the Secretariat and the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), is set at Rs 42.75 crore. This includes Rs 41.55 crores for the Secretariat and Rs 20 lakh for the CCPD. The department also focuses on regional development, with Rs 75.8 crore allocated for the North Eastern Areas, up from Rs 65.7 crores.

Disability affairs department receives hike of 0.02%, allocated Rs 1,225 crore in budget

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices when picking a new phone, you’re not alone. With so many options in the market, it can get difficult at times to select the smartphone that meets all your everyday needs. The freshly launched <keyword id="24164290" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Realme-13-Plus" source="keywords">Realme 13 Plus</keyword> aims to cut through the noise by offering a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and battery life that speaks to everyday users, gamers, and budding photographers alike. After spending some time with this device, I can say that this is a value-for-money smartphone that can take care of all your basic needs. <div type="image" title="13" msid="115655385" hostid="261" sizebytes="1042706"></div> <h2>Realme 13 Plus review: Design and display </h2> First impressions matter, and the Realme 13 Plus makes a solid one. The device sports a sleek design that feels comfortable to hold in hand. It weighs around 185 grams and can easily be used with one hand. The phone comes with a matte finish back panel and aluminium frame. While the back panel looks sophisticated, the aluminium frame stands out. There is also a circular camera module at the back, which is well-defined with a metallic ring. <div type="image" title="7" msid="115655253" hostid="261" sizebytes="1337084"></div> During my usage, I didn’t notice any fingerprints forming anywhere in the back panel and that is a huge plus. At the top, there is a 3mm jack and the right edge houses the volume and power buttons. At the bottom you have the Type C charging port and sim tray. In the front, the 6.72-inch Full HD+ display is vibrant and sharp, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling through social media a buttery-smooth experience. I found myself engrossed in binge-watching my favourite shows, and the experience was nothing short of delightful. The colours popped, and the brightness was more than adequate, even under the midday sun. Whether you’re watching action-packed scenes or scrolling through your photo gallery, the Realme 13 Plus truly shines in this department. <div type="image" title="12" msid="115655273" hostid="261" sizebytes="1278279"></div> However, the screen does gather dust quite easily so I would advise using a screen cover. <h2>Realme 13 Plus review: Performance and battery </h2> Under the hood, the Realme 13 Plus is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, which manages to balance performance and energy efficiency. My gaming sessions with titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile were remarkably smooth, with no noticeable lag or frame drops. The 8GB RAM variant ensures that multitasking remains a breeze, allowing me to switch between apps without the dreaded app reload. However, it’s not just about gaming; everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and video calls were equally effortless. During a group call with my friends, I appreciated the seamless connection and the sound quality from the dual speakers was adequate and clear. <div type="image" title="8" msid="115655302" hostid="261" sizebytes="1167673"></div> While the experience was positive in general, the phone does come with a fair share of bloatware and that gets a tad bit annoying at times. Coming to its battery, I found that I could comfortably get through a full day of use, even with decent gaming. I only found myself reaching for a charger at the end of the day. The phone also comes with fast charging support and I got a 60 per cent battery in just 30 minutes of charging. This is perfect for those frantic mornings when you realise your phone is running low, and you need to dash out the door. <h2>Realme 13 Plus review: Camera </h2> The camera setup on the Realme 13 Plus is one of its standout features, especially for those who love snapping photos on the go. <div type="image" title="1" msid="115655450" hostid="261" sizebytes="708995"></div> The primary sensor captures stunning detail and vibrant colours, making it a joy to shoot everything from landscapes to close-ups. I tested the camera on a weekend outing, and the photos turned out to be remarkably crisp. <div type="image" title="3" msid="115655441" hostid="261" sizebytes="1392821"></div> However, low-light photography can be hit or miss, with some shots appearing grainy and lacking detail. <div type="image" title="10" msid="115655319" hostid="261" sizebytes="618451"></div> The 2MP depth sensor helps create that lovely bokeh effect, perfect for portrait shots. The edge detection, in good lighting, is also spot on. The 16MP front camera is also impressive and results in some great shots. However, the photos are overly beautified by default, which can be solved with a simple tap if you prefer to avoid it. <h2>Realme 13 Plus review: Verdict </h2> With its competitive pricing and impressive features, the Realme 13 Plus is definitely worth considering, especially if you’re looking for a smartphone that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank. Yes, the phone comes with bloatware and low-light photography can falter at times, but those are not really dealbreakers.

Realme 13 Plus quick review: Good budget-friendly option for all your daily needs

New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): The discussion on the <keyword id="6360189" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="Orion">Union Budget</keyword> 2024-25, presented on July 23, will continue in both <keyword id="244400" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Houses-of-Parliament" source="Orion">Houses of Parliament</keyword> on Thursday. The discussion on <keyword id="6358021" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Budget" source="Orion">Budget</keyword> of <keyword id="17605" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jammu-and-kashmir" source="Orion">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword>, 2024-25, which was also presented on Tuesday, will also continue today. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Kirtivardhan Singh will lay papers on the table today. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar is likely to make a statement regarding status of implementation of recommendations and observations contained in the 250th report of the department-related parliamentary standing committee on Home Affairs on action taken by the government on the recommendations and observations contained in the 243rd report of the committee on demands for grants (2023-24) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Both Houses of <keyword id="19895397" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Parliament" source="keywords">Parliament</keyword> took up discussion on the <keyword id="15626720" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-budget-2024" source="Orion">Union Budget 2024</keyword> on July 24, with opposition parties accusing it of being "discriminatory" to most states and lacking vision. The discussion was initiated by former Finance Minister and Congress MP P Chidambaram in Rajya Sabha and Congress MP Kumari Selja initiated the discussion in Lok Sabha. Raising four major challenges, Chidambaram said the most significant challenge is unemployment and data released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) indicates that the unemployment rate for June 2024 is 9.2 per cent . Chidambaram emphasised that the primary challenge for the economy is creating sufficient employment opportunities. He pointed out that the budget's announcement of the employment-linked incentives (ELI) scheme suggests that the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme is not generating the expected employment. He urged the finance minister to disclose the number of jobs created by the PLI scheme. Radha Mohan Das Aggarwal of the BJP highlighted the achievements made by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last ten years. He said the Jan Dhan Yojana has provided banking services to crores of people in the country. Biplab Kumar Deb of the BJP said the Economic Survey has estimated real GDP growth of 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent in 2024-25. He highlighted the provisions in the budget for various sections, including farmers and the education sector. Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee launched a strong attack on the Modi government, alleging that the Union Budget lacks clarity or vision, that it has been rolled out to satisfy the coalition partners of the BJP and that it "was planned by two individuals to keep another two in good faith." The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12.

Discussions on Union Budget, Budget for Jammu and Kashmir to continue in Parliament today

New Delhi [India], July 23 (ANI): <keyword id="19956758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> is set to present the <keyword id="15626720" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget-2024" source="Orion">Union Budget 2024</keyword> in Parliament today, marking her seventh consecutive budget and eclipsing the late Moraji Desai's record of six consecutive budgets, which is likely to focus on changes in the income tax structure and improving the ease of doing business in India. At 11 am today, the much-awaited full budget for 2024-25, the first under the Modi 3.0 government, will be presented on the floor of the Parliament. All eyes will be on the major announcements made by the finance minister and the government's forward-looking guidance about the overall economy. Sitharaman will lay on the table a statement (in English and Hindi) of the estimated receipts and expenditures of the government for the year 2024-25 in the Rajya Sabha. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111946291" title="Union Budget 2024-25: Focus on employment, skilling, MSME and middle class" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>She will table the budget one hour after the conclusion of the presentation of the <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword> 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha. The Finance Minister also lay on the table, under subsection (1) of Section 3 of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003, a copy each (in English and Hindi) of the following papers: medium-term fiscal policy strategy statement and macro-economic framework statement. The Finance Minister will further lay on the table statements (in English and Hindi) of the estimated receipts and expenditures (2024-25) of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (with the legislature). The interim budget, tabled on February 1, took care of the financial needs of the intervening period until a government was formed after the Lok Sabha polls, after which a full budget was to be presented by the new government. With this upcoming budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will surpass the record set by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented five annual budgets and one interim budget between 1959 and 1964 as finance minister. The <keyword id="105431" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget-session" source="Orion">budget session</keyword> of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12. Before presenting the Budget, the finance minister will go to the North Block, where the Ministry of Finance is housed. She will meet the secretaries of her ministry, and later, along with them, she will reach the President's residence to get permission before presenting the Budget. About half an hour before the budget is presented, a Cabinet meeting headed by the prime minister is usually held, where ministers are briefed about the budget and Cabinet approval is taken. Putting aside the details of the upcoming budget, let us review the budget-making process and sequence of events typically followed. The Ministry of Finance typically issues circulars to all ministries, Union territories, States, and autonomous entities to send their demands and recommendations for the Union budget around September-October, with budgets typically tabled on February 1. Another key event before the budget presentation is the 'halwa ceremony'. A few days before the budget is presented, the government has a tradition of conducting a 'halwa ceremony', marking the start of budget document printing. The Halwa ceremony is significant as it also marks the beginning of a lockdown at the finance ministry, meaning no official is allowed to leave the ministry compound. Everyone on the budget team is allowed to leave only after the financial document is presented in Parliament. The printing of the Union Budget inside the basement located in the North Block has been a permanent feature since 1980. A day before the budget is scheduled to be tabled, the government typically releases its Economic Survey. This year, too, the same norms were followed. The Economic Survey serves as a crucial input for budget formulation. It is prepared by the Chief Economic Advisor and provides an overview of the country's economic performance, prospects, and policy recommendations, including future outlook. India is poised to remain the fastest-growing major economy in 2024-25, Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran said in a press conference after the tabling of the Economic Survey. The Economic Survey tabled projected India to grow at 6.5-7.0 percent in 2024-25. As per the Economic Survey 2023-24 tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Indian economy is on a strong and stable footing, demonstrating resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges. The first Economic Survey reportedly came into existence in 1950-51, when it used to be a part of the budget documents. In the 1960s, it was separated from the budget documents and presented a day before the Union Budget. The budget, once it is presented, is then subjected to detailed debate and discussion in both houses of Parliament, allowing members to scrutinise its provisions, raise concerns, and propose amendments. Following its presentation and approval by Parliament, the Union Budget sets in motion a series of post-budget activities aimed at implementing its provisions and achieving the outlined objectives. Like the previous few full Union budgets, the Budget 2024 will also be delivered in paperless form. An Interim Union Budget 2024 was presented on February 1, as the country was due for general elections later in the year. All the Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as the Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), and Finance Bill, as prescribed by the Constitution, will be available on the "Union Budget Mobile App" for hassle-free access to budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the public. The app is bilingual (English and Hindi) and available on both Android and iOS platforms. The app can also be downloaded from the Union Budget Web Portal (www.indiabudget.gov.in). SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024 Live Updates: PM Modi arrives in Parliament ahead of Budget 2024 presentation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/why-did-the-latest-economic-survey-of-india-heavily-shun-the-western-ways-of-climate-action/articleshow/111947230.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Why did the latest Economic Survey of India heavily shun the ‘Western ways’ of climate action?</a>

Here's a quick overview of PM Modi 3.0 government's first budget, to be presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman today

<keyword id="19956758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> on Tuesday presented the <keyword id="20387181" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget-2024-25" source="keywords">Union Budget 2024-25</keyword> after the Cabinet gave its approval. In her intial comments, Sithamraman said India's economic growth will be a shining exception. "We are determined all Indians regardless of religion and age achieve life goals and aspirations," Sitharman said. The Finance Minister presented first Union Budget of the Modi 3.0 government and her seventh consecutive one during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Economic Survey 2023-24 was tabled yesterday in the Parliament. Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Parliament today to approve the Union Budget ahead of its presentation by the Finance Minister. This would mark Sitharaman's seventh consecutive budget and eclipses the late Moraji Desai's record of six consecutive budgets, which is likely to focus on changes in the income tax structure and improving the ease of doing business in India. Addressing the media, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary earlier said that the first Union Budget of the third Modi government will be based on his mantra of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas". Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that this budget would accelerate the country's economic growth. "The economic growth that happened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this budget and this Budget will further accelerate it. The budget that will be presented today by Nirmala ji will also help our country, which is the fastest-growing economy," Pralhad Joshi said while speaking to the media on the Parliament premises on Tuesday. The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12. On Monday, the economic survey presented in Parliament by finance minister Sithraman emphasized the resilience of the Indian economy and its stable post-Covid recovery. The Survey underscored the government's commitment to "Nari Shakti" through various legislative measures and provisions aimed at boosting women's participation in diverse professions. According to the Economic Survey, the budget for women's welfare and empowerment schemes has surged by 218.8 per cent, growing from Rs 97,134 crore (BE) in FY14 to Rs 3.10 lakh crore in FY25. Additionally, the Gender Budget Statement (GBS) has seen a 38.7 per cent increase compared to FY24 BE, with its share in the total Union Budget rising to 6.5 per cent in FY25, the highest since GBS was introduced in FY06. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024 Live Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present her record seventh consecutive Budget today</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024-25: How will this budget impact you?</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/heres-a-quick-overview-of-pm-modi-3-0-governments-first-budget-to-be-presented-by-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-today/articleshow/111944393.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/heres-a-quick-overview-of-pm-modi-3-0-governments-first-budget-to-be-presented-by-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-today/articleshow/111944393.cms" target="_blank">Here's a quick overview of PM Modi 3.0 government's first budget, to be presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman today</a>

"India's economic growth will be shining exception" FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2024-25

The <keyword id="20417468" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="department-of-drinking-water-and-sanitation" source="keywords">Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation</keyword> has received a budgetary allocation of Rs 77,390.68 crores for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This figure reflects a minimal increase of only 0.5 per cent from the revised estimate of Rs 77,032.65 crore announced in budget 2023-2024. A substantial portion of this financial year's allotment for the <keyword id="22519676" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drinking-water-and-sanitation" source="keywords">Drinking Water and Sanitation</keyword> department is directed towards the <keyword id="19971121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jal-jeevan-mission" source="keywords">Jal Jeevan Mission</keyword> (JJM), which received Rs 69,926.65 crore, a marginal rise from the revised estimate of Rs 69,846.31 crore in 2023-2024. This flagship programme aims to provide functional household tap connections to every rural household by 2024, focusing on ensuring regular and adequate <keyword id="19939560" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-supply" source="keywords">water supply</keyword>. Additionally, the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS) has been allocated Rs 95 crore, a huge rise from the Rs 3 crore it got in the last revised estimate. The <keyword id="20200832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="swachh-bharat-mission" source="keywords">Swachh Bharat Mission</keyword> (Gramin), which focuses on maintaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and enhancing waste management in rural areas, has been allocated Rs 7,192 crore. This allocation remains consistent with the budget for the previous fiscal year and continues to support <keyword id="22519675" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sanitation-efforts" source="keywords">sanitation efforts</keyword> nationwide. The budget also includes significant funding for water supply and sanitation at Rs 64,302.85 crore, an increase from the previous year's Rs 64,138.41 crore. For economic services, the budget includes Rs 35.78 crore for the Secretariat and capital outlay on general economic services. This is an increase from Rs 32.65 crore in the revised budget, indicating a focus on enhancing administrative and infrastructural capacities. Additional allocations include Rs 7,632.19 crore for Northeast India, aimed at improving water and sanitation facilities in these regions. Grants-in-aid to state governments have been set at Rs 5,169.86 crore, while grants to Union Territories are allocated at Rs 250 crore.

Budget 2024-25: Drinking water and sanitation dept gets a mere 0.5% boost

<keyword id="20305504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Khelo-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Khelo India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Khelo India">Khelo India</keyword>, which is the government's flagship project to promote sports at the grassroots level, was once again the biggest beneficiary in the union <keyword id="19936553" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="budget" source="keywords">budget</keyword> for the <keyword id="19896478" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sports-ministry" source="keywords">sports ministry</keyword> as it was assigned Rs 900 crore from the overall allocation of Rs 3,442.32 crore on Tuesday. Kehlo <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s share, announced in the budget presented by finance minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> here, is Rs 20 crore more than the revised allocation of Rs 880 crore during the previous financial year. With the <keyword id="19986816" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Olympic" source="keywords">Olympic</keyword> cycle set to come to an end in Paris in August this year, and the <keyword id="19895708" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Commonwealth-Games" source="keywords">Commonwealth Games</keyword> and <keyword id="20007738" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Asian-Games" source="keywords">Asian Games</keyword> still two years away, the budget for the Sports Ministry has seen only a marginal increase of Rs 45.36 crore from the previous cycle. The budget for the previous cycle was Rs 3,396.96 crore for the previous financial year. The government has invested heavily in Khelo India over the years as the programme continues to unearth talent from all parts of the country. While Khelo India's actual allocation in 2022-23 stood at Rs 596.39 crore, it was increased by more than Rs 400 crore, to Rs 1,000 crores, in the 2023-24 budget, before being revised to Rs 880 crore. The government has continued to add programmes ever since the inaugural Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) were held in 2018. The ministry added Khelo India University Games in 2020, before also launching the Khelo India Winter Games the same year and the Khelo India Para Games in 2023. Hundreds of Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCE) have been set up across the country, which aim to provide facilities for athletes with potential. Several Khelo India athletes are currently in India's Olympic-bound contingent. The government's assistance to <keyword id="20418970" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Sports-Federations" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="National Sports Federations" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="National Sports Federations">National Sports Federations</keyword> (NSFs) has also seen an increase of Rs 15 crore -- from Rs 325 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 340 crore in the latest budget. The budget for Sports Authority of India, which apart from maintaining its stadia across the country also manages the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) to prepare athletes for the global sporting extravaganzas, has also been enhanced from Rs 795.77 crore to Rs 822.60 crore, which is a jump of Rs 26.83 crore. The <keyword id="20524251" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Anti-Doping-Agency" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="National Anti-Doping Agency" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="National Anti-Doping Agency">National Anti-Doping Agency</keyword> (NADA) and the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), which does all the testing, have received marginal increase in their budgets. While NADA's budget has gone up from Rs 21.73 crore last year to Rs 22.30 crore, NDTL has got Rs 22 crore, up from Rs 19.50 last year.

Khelo India once again gets lion's share in Union Budget for sports

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has been allocated Rs 13,539 crore in the 2024-2025 budget, an increase of 37 per cent from the 2023-2024 revised estimates of Rs 9,853.32 crore. This increase is primarily focused on enhancing <keyword id="20312810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="welfare-programmes" source="keywords">welfare programmes</keyword> for <keyword id="21384605" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="marginalised-communities" source="keywords">marginalised communities</keyword> and improving infrastructure for social services. The key areas of funding include Rs 9,549.98 crore for the 'Umbrella Scheme for Development of Scheduled Castes', a significant increase from the Rs 6,780 crore in the previous financial year. For achieving social justice comprehensively, the saturation approach of covering all eligible people through various programmes, including those for education and health, will be adopted, Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> said on Tuesday while presenting the 2024-25 Union Budget in Parliament. She said to ensure <keyword id="22517725" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="inclusive-human-resource-development" source="keywords">inclusive human resource development</keyword>, a social justice saturation approach will be adopted. Social justice through the saturation approach refers to a strategy where the government aims to ensure that all eligible individuals are covered by various programmes and initiatives. The department has been allocated Rs 2,150 crore for the 'Umbrella Programme for Development of Other Vulnerable Groups' and Rs 314 crore for the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. The establishment expenditure of Rs 145.80 crore for the central administration includes allocations for the secretariat and national commissions. The amount is a slight decrease from the previous year's Rs 152.60 crore. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has been allocated Rs 38 crore and the National Commission for Backward Classes Rs 21 crore. The budget of the Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities remains at Rs 5 crore. Central sector schemes and projects are among the focus areas of this budget, with the <keyword id="22517726" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="scholarships-for-higher-education" source="keywords">Scholarships for Higher Education</keyword> for Young Achievers Scheme for Scheduled Castes being allocated Rs 428 crore. This scheme encompasses various sub-schemes, including the National Fellowship for SCs, Free Coaching for SCs and OBCs, Top Class Education for SCs and the National Overseas Scholarship for SCs. The Scheme of Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Areas for SCs has been allocated Rs 133.07 crore. The department also prioritises <keyword id="22024434" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-assistance" source="keywords">economic assistance</keyword> and <keyword id="20068989" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skill-development" source="keywords">skill development</keyword> through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana -- that has been allocated Rs 130 crore -- and the <keyword id="20245482" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="venture-capital-fund" source="keywords">Venture Capital Fund</keyword> for SCs and OBCs -- that has bee allocated Rs 50 crore. Additionally, the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers, which previously had allocations, does not feature in the current budget, indicating a possible reallocation of funds or a change in strategy. Support for marginalised individuals, particularly through the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise programme, which includes comprehensive rehabilitation for persons engaged in begging and welfare of transgender persons, has been allocated Rs 98.46 crore. This marks a substantial increase from the previous year's Rs 32.82 crore, highlighting a growing commitment to addressing these vulnerable groups' needs. Transfers to states and Union Territories under centrally sponsored schemes form a major part of the budget.

Budget: Rs 13,539 cr allocated to social justice department, 37% higher than last year

<keyword id="19945815" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="startups" source="keywords">Startups</keyword> in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> have high expectations from this year's upcoming <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword>. Early-age startups hope for the removal of angel taxes, while <keyword id="20677283" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-tech-startups" source="keywords">health tech startups</keyword> expect increased <keyword id="19913964" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="funding" source="keywords">funding</keyword> for the sector. Startups function as engines of economic growth, playing a crucial role in generating new jobs, ideas, products, and services. As of December 2023, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had recognised 1,17,254 startups. These startups have reportedly created over 12.42 lakh direct jobs, significantly impacting the economy. Eklavya Gupta, CEO and Co-founder of Recur Club, stated, "We are confident that India's business credit landscape is on the brink of a major digital overhaul. FinTechs are at the forefront of this change, deploying innovative technologies and utilising in-depth data analytics to streamline and expand <keyword id="20974354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="credit-access" source="keywords">credit access</keyword>." He added, "While the current allocation of Rs 10,000 crore is an excellent initial step, realising the full capabilities of India's SME and startup ecosystem will necessitate greater investment, especially in credit guarantee schemes." Vinod K Singh, Co-Founder and CTO of Concirrus, expressed his expectations from the budget: "As the Union Budget 2024-25 approaches, we hope the government will address the pressing issue of the 'angel tax.' Eliminating this tax will enhance capital formation and attract vital <keyword id="19895633" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investments" source="keywords">investments</keyword>. Streamlining the duty structure and reducing high tariffs on electronic inputs are also crucial to bolstering the startup ecosystem and driving innovation. Expanding the Fund of Funds and introducing low-interest loans would be beneficial." Rajiv Lamba, co-founder and CEO of AI-enabled customer feedback platform Surveysensum, added, "Just as the government has prioritised financial inclusion, it should now focus on <keyword id="22405441" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="technological-inclusion" source="keywords">technological inclusion</keyword> to propel India to the next stage of growth. By training youth in AI, the government can make a strategic investment in the nation's technological future. Given the rapidly evolving job market, a substantial increase of 20 to 25 percent in budget allocation should be considered for AI-based skill development and entrepreneurship." He further emphasised, "Incentivizing investment in <keyword id="20328842" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-startups" source="keywords">AI startups</keyword> and R&amp;D initiatives can boost local innovation in the AI space. The last budget introduced a deep tech fund of Rs 1 lakh crore with a 50-year interest-free loan period; the government should now establish a clear and transparent mechanism for access to this fund." Raja S, founder and MD of Hearzap, highlighted the expectations of health tech startups: "Health tech startups are eagerly anticipating increased funding that could usher in transformative advancements. This crucial investment holds the promise of extending cutting-edge healthcare solutions to rural and underserved areas, effectively bridging existing gaps in care. The upcoming budget ensures that every individual in our diverse population, from the youngest to the oldest, can access essential health services, including specialised care." Discussing taxation for startups in India, Vvihan Gulati, Director of Mediagraphics PR, commented, "Removing the angel tax is a highly anticipated move that would benefit early-stage startups and their investors. It would foster a more favourable environment for innovation and growth, allowing startups to attract much-needed capital without the burden of excessive taxation. This change could significantly enhance the ease of doing business and contribute to the overall growth of the startup ecosystem in India." The Union Budget 2024 will be tabled on July 23 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. With this, she will become the first Finance Minister to deliver seven consecutive budgets, surpassing Morarji Desai. She presented the interim budget on February 1 of this year.

Startups demand angel tax elimination, incentives on investments in upcoming budget

Global brokerage firm <keyword id="19977638" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Morgan-Stanley" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Morgan Stanley" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Morgan Stanley">Morgan Stanley</keyword> expects <keyword id="19956758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword>'s upcoming <keyword id="19936553" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Budget" source="keywords">Budget</keyword> to focus on the government's <keyword id="20634687" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="road-map" source="keywords">road map</keyword> for '<keyword id="19916816" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Viksit-Bharat" source="keywords">Viksit Bharat</keyword>' by 2047 and spell out the <keyword id="22362494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="medium-term-plan" source="keywords">medium-term plan</keyword> for <keyword id="20101140" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fiscal-consolidation" source="keywords">fiscal consolidation</keyword>. "With fiscal prudence guiding the overall fiscal policy stance, we expect the focus to remain on <keyword id="22362493" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="capex-expenditure" source="keywords">capex expenditure</keyword> over revenue expenditure and targeted social sector spending with a focus on improving access to physical, social and digital infrastructure," said Morgan Stanley's research report on Wednesday. Sitharaman is scheduled to present the full Budget for fiscal 2024-25 on July 23, which will be the first major policy document of the new government. The brokerage firm expects the central government's fiscal deficit target to be retained at 5.1 per cent of GDP in 2024-25 in line with the interim budget (against 5.6 per cent of GDP in 2023-24) and to be on track to attain the target of 4.5 per cent of GDP by the next financial year. "The fiscal headroom has improved with a larger-than-expected transfer of surplus from the RBI, which, in our view, will help to maintain the momentum on capex expenditure and increase targeted welfare spending. In this context, we see the possibility of a slightly lower fiscal deficit target (tad below 5.1 per cent of GDP), given the support from tax and non-tax revenues," it said. It also expects the Budget to provide focus on the government's road map for 'Viksit Bharat' (developed nation) by 2047. In addition, the budget could also give a road map for a medium-term plan for fiscal consolidation beyond 2025-26, it added. The report said the impact of the Budget on the stock market has been on a secular decline, albeit actual performance is a function of pre-budget expectations (as measured by market performance ahead of the budget). As of now, the market seems to be approaching the Budget with exuberance and could be dealing with both volatility and a correction post-budget, if history is a guide, it said.

Morgan Stanley expects Budget to focus on road map for 'Viksit Bharat'

The <keyword id="19900449" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government" source="keywords">government</keyword> may relax the requirement of making payments to <keyword id="19910977" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="MSMEs" source="keywords">MSMEs</keyword> within 45 days of buying goods and services, to prevent large corporates from looking at other sourcing avenues, sources have noted. An announcement to this effect could be made in the Budget likely to be presented on July 23. The government is considering suggestions regarding changes to Section 43B(h) of the <keyword id="19936187" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Income-Tax-Act" source="keywords">Income Tax Act</keyword> made by MSMEs during pre-budget consultations, sources said. The government, in last year's budget added a new clause under Section 43B of the Income Tax Act to address the challenge of delayed payments faced by MSMEs in the country. According to Section 43B(h) of the Income Tax Act, introduced through the Finance Act 2023, if a larger company does not pay an <keyword id="19990810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MSME" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="MSME" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="MSME">MSME</keyword> on time -- within 45 days in case of written agreement -- it cannot deduct that expense from its taxable income, leading to potentially higher taxes. MSMEs fear that due to this provision, large buyers could cold-shoulder MSME suppliers and start buying either from those MSMEs that are not registered with Udyam or from non-MSMEs. The amendment was brought in for MSMEs to get timely payment, but a lot of concerns were raised by them, sources said, adding that they feared that large corporate, in bid to safeguard their interest, can shift their sourcing requirement to bigger firms or ask their vendors to give up their MSME registration to do business with them. Earlier in May, Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirmala-sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> had said the changes, if any, to the rule will have to be done in the full Budget in July under the new government as per the representations submitted by MSMEs. The MSME sector accounts for 30% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and the second largest employer after agriculture. The share of <keyword id="35090" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Exports" source="Orion">exports</keyword> from products specified for MSMEs constituted 45.56 % of the country's total exports.

Govt may relax 45-day payment rule for MSMEs in Budget 2024

India is poised to remain the fastest-growing major economy in 2024-25, Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran said in a press conference after the tabling of the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-survey" source="keywords">Economic Survey</keyword> in the Parliament on Monday. The Economic Survey tabled today projected India to grow at 6.5-7.0 per cent in 2024-25. Global institutions, including <keyword id="19896779" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IMF" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="IMF" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="IMF">IMF</keyword>, OECD, World Bank, S&amp;P, ADB, and Fitch, have projected India to grow in a range of 6.6-7.2 per cent. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest outlook, has raised India's growth projections for 2024 from 6.8 per cent earlier to 7 per cent, with the country maintaining the fastest-growing status in emerging markets and developing economies. According to official data of the Indian government, the country's GDP grew at an impressive 8.2 per cent during the financial year 2023-24. India's economy grew 7.2 per cent in 2022-23 and 8.7 per cent in 2021-22 respectively. Further, the CEA in his press conference projected that India's <keyword id="20089672" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="per-capita-income" source="keywords">per capita income</keyword> is expected to increase from around Rs 2 lakh in 2022-23 to Rs 14.9 lakh in 2046-47. Further, CEA said <keyword id="20751315" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="household-savings" source="keywords">household savings</keyword> of Indians in physical assets have been increasing over the past three financial years through 2023-24. The CEA, addressing the press conference, said household savings in physical assets rose from 8 per cent in 2020-21 to 12.9 per cent in 2022-23. "Households are not in distress, they are investing in <keyword id="20792385" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-assets" source="keywords">financial assets</keyword> that have done very well. Financial assets of households are not marked to market so households are doing quite well in the aggregate," he said. India needs both banks and capital markets to provide the required finances sourced from a sustained high level of household savings, according to the Survey. <keyword id="20385790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Union Finance Minister</keyword> Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday tabled the economic survey in Parliament, a day ahead of the full Budget presentation for 2024-25. The Economic Survey document, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and formulated under the supervision of the chief economic adviser, gives insights into the state of the economy and various indicators of 2023-24 (April-March) and some outlook for the current year. The Economy Survey document also gave some idea about the tone and texture of the actual Budget for 2024-25, to be presented on Tuesday. (ANI)

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