BUDGET LIVE | FM proposes health reforms; emphasises Viksit Bharat
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (February 1) is presenting the Modi 2.0 government's last Budget before the general elections, which is likely to contain a mix of measures for the economy and electorally significant segments like farmers and women.
Peppered with political innuendos, her sixth straight Budget may present a political document with a snapshot of the Modi government's triumphs over the last 10 years and pointers to how it wants to take the country forward.
With pressure for populist measures off after recent emphatic wins in three states, she is expected to stick to being fiscally prudent while sprinkling sops on sectors like agriculture and engines of the economy that would create jobs and boost consumption.
To watch the Budget presentation live, at 11 am, click here.
Click here for The Federal's extensive coverage of Interim Budget 2024-25.
Live Updates
- 1 Feb 2024 7:17 AM GMT
More medical colleges in the offing
The government plans to set up more medical colleges by utilising existing hospital infrastructure and will set up a committee to examine the matter, Nirmala Sitharaman has said.
The minister also said that the government will encourage vaccination for girls in the 9-14 year age group for the prevention of cervical cancer. Various schemes for maternal and child healthcare will be brought under one comprehensive programme for synergy in implementation, Sitharaman said in Parliament.
"Several youth are ambitious to get qualified as doctors. They aim to serve our people through improved healthcare services. Our government plans to set up more medical colleges by utilising the existing hospital infrastructure under various departments.
"A committee for this purpose will be set up to examine the issues and make relevant recommendations," Sitharaman said.
The newly designed U-WIN platform for managing immunisation and intensified efforts of the Mission Indradhanush will be rolled out expeditiously throughout the country, Sitharaman said.
- 1 Feb 2024 6:33 AM GMT
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Centre's good governance will help the BJP return to power for the third time. "We expect that our government, based on its stupendous work, will be blessed again by the people with a resounding mandate,' added the FM.
- 1 Feb 2024 6:28 AM GMT
"FDI is 'First Develop India'... FDI inflow during 2014 to 2023 was Rs 596 billion US dollars, marking a golden era. This was twice the FDI inflow between 2005 to 2014. For sustained FDI, we are negotiating bilateral investment treaties with foreign partners," says FM.
- 1 Feb 2024 6:25 AM GMT
Housing scheme for middle class
The government will launch a housing scheme for deserving middle class to buy or build their own houses, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said.
Sitharaman said the government will also adopt an economic approach that facilitates sustainable development and improves productivity.
She also mentioned rooftop solar panels to ensure one crore household free electricity of up to 300 units per month, leading to household savings of Rs 15,000-18,000 annually.
The finance minister said the government will set up more medical colleges, utilising existing hospital infrastructure.
- 1 Feb 2024 6:22 AM GMT
Govt aims to reduce fiscal deficit to below 4.5% by FY26. FY25 gross market borrowing seen at Rs 14.13 lakh cr: Sitharaman
- 1 Feb 2024 6:22 AM GMT
Lower borrowings to facilitate larger availability of credit for the private sector: Sitharaman
