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This is certainly a Vote on Account and the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji will present the new Budget for financial year 2024-25 by July-August probably when the new Parliament will meet after elections.
We are certainly confident of returning to power with an enhanced mandate in favour of our leader and his government. Since 2014 in terms of economic policies and reforms, several key strategy decisions have been taken. During the tenure of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ji, we had the revolutionary GST.
Madam Nirmala Sitharaman also started on a very positive note as India's finance minister in 2019-20. Prior to her, India did not have any 'full-fledged woman' Finance Minister. Indira Gandhi held the portfolio but that was rather as only the Prime Minister.
On Feb 1, 2024, Ms Sitharaman presented her 6th Budget proposals. We ought to congratulate her for right balancing and keeping an eye on Viksit Bharat as envisioned for the year 2047 by our Prime Minister Shri Modi. I find that she has tried to reach out to the largest possible sets of people and that is politically crucial at this juncture. FM Ms Sitharaman has remained steadfast on fiscal discipline. There is a measured emphasis on social welfare.
The Budget 2024-25 also makes it clear that our party's focus will be on GYAN – that is four key pillars poor (Garib), Youth (Yuva), Farmers (Anna-data), and Women power (Nari Shakti). I can add here that in 2019, as the Finance Minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman first abolished corporate tax and secondly removed many ticklish issues vis-a-vis her chair deciding on behalf of the GST council.
The announcements made in the Budget proposals for 2024-25 that around 40,000 trains currently running as part of the Indian Railways will be upgraded to Vande Bharat train standards also needs to be highlighted.
At the same, we must all appreciate the fact that with focus on 'Yuva Shakti' (Youths) and marching towards the goal of Viksit Bharat - Developed India - by 2047, the Finance Minister has proposed setting up of more medical colleges.
The new Medical Colleges will be set up by utilising the existing hospital infrastructure under various departments. This is a much needed and welcome initiative. A Committee will be set up for this purpose to examine the issues and make relevant recommendations.
Ms Sitharaman also proposed that ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and helpers will also be covered under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Over all, its pro-people Budget.
For us in the BJP, it is a matter of utter satisfaction that our Budget 2024-25 reflects efficiency in delivery and in the implementation of multiple schemes that will take India to newer heights.
(Views are personal. M Chuba is BJP national vice president)