Recently, Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister, presented her sixth consecutive budget ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary elections, an accomplishment that matches the record set by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The anticipation surrounding this budget speech was palpable, as it held the potential to shape the future trajectory of India’s economy.
In a speech that lasted less than an hour, Sitharaman eloquently outlined the remarkable achievements of the Modi government over the past decade. Under their astute leadership, India has undergone a profound transformation, emerging from the shadows of a “fragile” economy to becoming the world’s fastest-growing major economy. This commendable feat has undoubtedly put India on the global map as a force to be reckoned with.
One of the key highlights of Sitharaman’s speech was the government’s focus on bolstering sustainable economic growth. She emphasized the government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and businesses. By implementing various reforms and policies, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the government has successfully created a favorable business ecosystem. This has led to a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) and has propelled India towards becoming a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, Sitharaman underscored the government’s unwavering dedication to inclusive development. She outlined various schemes and initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized sections of society and ensuring equal opportunities for all. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, for instance, has played a pivotal role in empowering millions of financially excluded individuals by providing them access to banking services. The government has also taken significant strides towards improving healthcare and education, making them more accessible and affordable.
In her budget speech, Sitharaman particularly highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. She emphasized the importance of expanding and modernizing transportation networks, such as railways and highways, to facilitate seamless connectivity across the nation. The government’s flagship initiative, Bharatmala Pariyojana, aims to construct and upgrade over 83,000 kilometers of roads, thereby propelling economic growth and enhancing connectivity in rural areas.
Moreover, the Finance Minister acknowledged the importance of skill development and job creation. She announced various measures to promote vocational training and entrepreneurship, with a focus on harnessing the potential of India’s youth. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, the government aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring a brighter future for the nation’s youth.
As the budget speech drew to a close, Sitharaman expressed her optimism about India’s economic prospects. She reiterated the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and asserted that India would continue to be a beacon of stability amidst the uncertain global economic landscape. With a strong foundation in place and a clear vision for the future, the Finance Minister’s budget speech instilled confidence in the people of India, so they can look forward to a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.
Sitharaman’s budget speech was a testament to the remarkable progress India has made under the Modi government’s leadership. The transformative policies and initiatives implemented over the past decade have positioned India as a global economic powerhouse. With a renewed focus on sustainable growth, inclusive development, infrastructure, and skill enhancement, the government aims to propel India towards greater heights of prosperity and well-being. The budget speech imparted a sense of optimism and hope, signaling a promising future for the nation and its citizens.
After Shri N. Sitharaman presented the Budget for the sixth time, the Opposition criticized the government for an ‘anti-people’ Budget, demanding a comparison of promises made and fulfilled.
PM Modi’s government defended the interim Budget, stating it is inclusive and innovative for India’s rapid economic growth. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized BJP for not delivering on job creation, black money retrieval, and doubling farmer income.
“I listened to the budget carefully, nothing was mentioned in this budget for the poor, lower middle class and the middle class… This is their budget only for day-to-day affairs. They did not give the details of promises made for 10 years, they should have compared how many promises were made and how many were fulfilled…They should give a comparative statement…,” said Kharge.
“…They think that the country got independence only after 2014 & the country is seeing democracy only after PM Modi came to power…What happened to the promise of 2 crore jobs, what happened to bring back black money, and what happened to the promise of doubling the income of farmers…,” said Kharge.
#WATCH | Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “…They think that the country got independence only after 2014 & the country is seeing democracy only after PM Modi came to power…What happened to the promise of 2 crore jobs, what happened to bring back black… pic.twitter.com/F9bJ78xdR8
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024
Congress leader Sachin Pilot said the Finance Minister’s speech sounded like an election speech.
“The President’s address was also used as political speech,” Pilot added.
Delhi Minister Atishi said the budget proves that this is a ‘jumla’ government.
#WATCH | On Interim Budget 2024-25, Delhi Minister Atishi says, “The budget proves that this is a ‘jumla’ government. PM Modi had said in 2014 that he would provide 2 crore jobs every year but not even one crore people got jobs. Today they have given a new ‘jumla’ that they will… pic.twitter.com/z9ZASacAMA
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024
“PM Modi had said in 2014 that he would provide 2 crore jobs every year but not even one crore people got jobs. Today they have given a new ‘jumla’ that they will give 55 lakh jobs… No step has been taken to reduce the inflation…,” she added.
Congress MP Manish Tewari expressed concern over a budget deficit of Rs 18 lakh crore.
“What’s worrying is that there is a budget deficit of ₹18 lakh crores. This means that the government is borrowing for its expenditure. This number is only going to increase next year,” said the Congress MP.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said there is a huge difference between saying and doing.
#WATCH | On the interim budget, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi says, “There is a huge difference between saying and doing, this is what we have been seeing for the last 10 years… There is nothing in it for the poor, women and youth. This budget has poured cold water on… pic.twitter.com/oR8GoKSuFN
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024
“…this is what we have been seeing for the last 10 years… There is nothing in it for the poor, women and youth. This budget has poured cold water on the expectations of the general public…,” said Chaturvedi.
Echoing Chaturvedi’s sentiments, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that there was as usual a lot of of rhetorical language, very little concrete on implementation.
#WATCH | On Interim Budget 2024-25, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, “It was one of the shortest speeches on record in the Budget. Not very much came out of it. As usual a lot of rhetorical language, very little concrete on implementation…She talked about foreign investment… pic.twitter.com/x0AhgGSlQ4
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024
“It was one of the shortest speeches on record in the Budget. Not very much came out of it. As usual a lot of rhetorical language, very little concrete on implementation…She talked about foreign investment without acknowledging that that investment has come down significantly. She talked about a number of things which are couched in vague language like ‘confidence’ and ‘hope’ and so on. But when it comes to hard figures, very few figures available…This is going to be a very disappointing speech in terms of being couched entirely in generalities and without enough substance nor any willingness to address the specific problems of the economy…,” said Tharoor.
Leading government’s charge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the BJP will empower all 4 pillars of Viksit Bharat- Yuva, Garib, Mahila and Kisan.
#WATCH | PM Modi on interim Budget 2024
This interim budget is inclusive and innovative. It has confidence of continuity. It will empower all 4 pillars of Viksit Bharat- Yuva, Garib, Mahila and Kisan. This Budget gives the guarantee of making India a developed nation by 2047.” pic.twitter.com/FtS7Azr1G4
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024
“This interim budget is inclusive and innovative. It has confidence of continuity. It will empower all 4 pillars of Viksit Bharat- Yuva, Garib, Mahila and Kisan. This Budget gives the guarantee of making India a developed nation by 2047,” said PM Modi.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari the Budget will propel India’s rapid transformation into an economic superpower.
Extending my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to PM Shri @narendramodi Ji and FM Smt. @nsitharaman Ji for presenting a…
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) February 1, 2024
“This inventive budget aligns seamlessly with PM Modi Ji’s commitment to uplift farmers, women, youth, and the underprivileged,” he posted on X.
With a clear roadmap for inclusive development, the budget caters to diverse interests of the society, emphasizing infrastructure growth for a new India, he added.
Home Minister Amit Shah said the interim budget draws the roadmap to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed Bharat by 2047.
Shah also said the budget speech sheds light on the milestones achieved by the Modi government in the last 10 years in its journey to make Bharat the foremost nation in every sector.
The Union Budget draws the roadmap to achieve PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision of a Developed Bharat by 2047.
The budget speech sheds light on the milestones achieved by the Modi govt in the last 10 years on its journey to make Bharat the foremost nation in every sector during…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 1, 2024
“The Union Budget draws the roadmap to achieve PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision of a Developed Bharat by 2047. The budget speech sheds light on the milestones achieved by the Modi govt in the last 10 years on its journey to make Bharat the foremost nation in every sector during the Amrit Kaal,” Shah said on ‘X’ with the hashtag #ViksitBharatBudget.
“On the very foundation of these feats, the magnificent edifice of a Viksit Bharat is being built. My heartfelt gratitude to Modi Ji for leading the nation through this journey of excellence and to FM @nsitharaman Ji for the insightful budget speech,” he added.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said the Budget will provide a pace to building a developed and an ‘Atma-Nirbhar’ India.
#WATCH | Lucknow: On Union Interim Budget 2024, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, “The Interim Budget will provide a pace to building a developed and an ‘Atma-Nirbhar’ India. Greetings to the Finance Minister for presenting a budget that will fulfil the hopes of 140 crore… pic.twitter.com/HQ7mIFHPpp
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024
“Greetings to the Finance Minister for presenting a budget that will fulfil the hopes of 140 crore Indians. This interim budget will prove to be important for the development of every section…,” said Yogi.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said Finance Minister has been able to bring out a confident India story.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Interim Union Budget 2024, Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, “Finance Minister Sitaramanji, in her interim budget, has been able to bring out a confident India story. A story of resilience despite severe geopolitical tensions. A story of growth and forward… pic.twitter.com/99FDevJica
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024
“A story of resilience despite severe geopolitical tensions. A story of growth and forward movement which will make India a developed nation by 2047. A story which talks about every section of society. Be it our youth, farmers, poor, or women, every section has received due attention. It’s very progressive, very forward-looking and lays the foundation of a prosperous India…,” said Goyal.
Union Minister Arjun Munda said the budget is motivational for the people of India.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Union Interim Budget, Union Minister Arjun Munda says, “This budget is motivational for the people of India. With the goal of ensuring ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas’, and putting the people of India in a top position, the government of India has… pic.twitter.com/AgpHwVdzxZ
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024
“With the goal of ensuring ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas’, and putting the people of India in a top position, the government of India has presented this budget…,” said Munda.
With inputs from ANI/Twitter
