Dateline Dehradun: Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Jolly Grant and former Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Uttarakhand, described the Modi government’s first general budget of its third term in 2024 as a balanced budget in line with the concept of ‘Developed India.’
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s achievement symbolizes ‘Nari Shakti’
Dr. Vijay Dhasmana congratulated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who has become the first female finance minister to present the budget seven times consecutively. Indian culture says, ‘Where women are worshipped, divinity blossoms.’ Her achievement is a symbol of women power and a matter of pride for the entire nation.
Nine Priorities Essential for the Complete Development of the Country
Dr. Vijay Dhasmana stated that this important budget of the Amrit Kaal will set the direction for the government’s work for the next five years. The government’s nine priorities include agriculture, employment and skill development, human resource development and social justice, production and service, energy security, infrastructure, urban development, innovation and research, and next-generation reforms. These priorities aim to fulfill the aspirations of every section of society and the comprehensive development of the country.
Education, Employment, and Skill Development Prioritized
The government has prioritized education, employment, and skill development in this budget. An allocation of ₹1.48 lakh crore has been made, which is 32% more than the previous budget. The Finance Minister’s decision will further strengthen the vision of young India.
Budget to Simplify Higher Education
For the education sector, the Finance Minister has announced a significant initiative of ₹10 lakh education loans for domestic institutions. This will benefit millions of students across the country. The government will cover 3% of the annual loan interest. E-vouchers will be introduced, benefiting one lakh students every year. Additionally, a provision of ₹7.5 lakh ‘Model Skill Loan’ for students has also been made.
Skilled Employees for the Industry
There is a growing need for skilled employees in the industry. To address this, the budget includes a special provision. One crore youths will be trained in the country’s top 500 companies with a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. This is a welcome decision by the government.
‘Healthy India’ Essential for ‘Prosperous India’
Post-COVID, the government has paid special attention to the health sector. The government recognizes that a prosperous India requires a healthy India. Providing significant relief to cancer patients, the government has removed custom duties on three foreign medicines for cancer treatment, making them more affordable. Some medical equipment will also receive exemptions. The Finance Minister’s announcement is commendable.
Promotion of Research and Innovation
A fund of ₹1,00,000 crore has been established for research and innovation. Typically, only government educational institutions received funds for health and technical research. However, this budget proposes to include non-government educational institutions as well. This is a commendable step, as the research conducted in the health sector will directly benefit the general public.
