Interim Budget 2024 highlights: Capex from govt will continue, says FM

Union Budget 2024 LIVE updates: FM Sitharaman in her Interim Budget speech stated the Centre is working towards making India 'viksit' by 2047. Catch the latest updates here

11:28 PM

Interim Budget made 'pronounced focus' on women and youths: Rights activists

From grassroots initiatives transforming rural landscapes to strategic investments addressing demographic shifts, the interim Budget has made a "pronounced focus" on women and youths, rights activists have said.

 

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been allocated Rs 26,000 crore in 2024-25, an increase of 2.52 per cent from the previous Budget.

 

Mission Shakti (the mission for protection and empowerment of women), with an objective to improve the accessibility and integrate all efforts and various government initiatives towards the safety and protection of women, as well as for securing their rights and entitlements, has been given Rs 3145.97 crore.

 

Poonam Muttreja, executive director of the Population Foundation of India, praised the Budget's focus on the key demographic groups of youths and women.

10:54 PM

UK-India Business Council welcomes Interim Budget 2024-25

The UK-India Business Council has welcomed India's interim budget 2024-25 and its focus on stability for the coming months.

 

Following the budget session today, Richard McCallum, Group CEO, UKIBC said, "UK industry keen to be reliable partner for India now and into the future," according to an official press release.

 

"The UK India Business Council welcomes Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's presentation of India's Interim Budget 2024-25 and its focus on stability for the coming months," the release read.

 

India has shown transformational change over the last decade - as the Minister's speech highlighted - whether it is poverty alleviation, gender equity, leveraging digital technology for inclusivity, building world-class infrastructure, and many other areas.

 

India's story on women's participation in the STEM industry is a success at a global level.

10:47 PM

Positive and welcome: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hails Union Budget 2024

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday hailed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government and said the Union Budget 2024-25 is 'positive and welcoming'.

 

Nitish Kumar, the Chief of the Janata Dal (United) that broke its ties with the Opposition bloc INDIA recently also lauded the Centre for increasing the amount of loans for higher education.

 

"The interim budget presented by the Central Government is positive and welcome. The amount of loans for higher education has been increased in the budget, which will facilitate the youth to get higher education. With the opening of three new Railway Economic Corridors, the country's economic development will be possible at a faster pace," he said.

 

Nitish further said that the central government's decision to launch a special housing scheme for the middle class is a welcome step.

 

"Under this, people living in rented houses and slums will be able to get benefits," he added.

10:36 PM

Budget 2024: WHO praises extension of healthcare coverage to ASHA, Anganwadi workers

The World Health Organization lauded the Budget 2024 announcement extending healthcare coverage to ASHA, Anganwadi workers, and helpers under Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

 

"ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers are at the forefront of health and care delivery at the grassroots level. The World Health Organization (WHO) applauds the extension of healthcare coverage to them under Ayushman Bharat," Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, said.

 

While presenting the Interim Budget for the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, the Union Finance Minister also announced encouraging vaccination for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years for the prevention of cervical cancer. She also said that the healthcare cover under Ayushman Bharat scheme will be extended to all ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.

10:33 PM

FM pushes equity support to oil firms to next fiscal year

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has deferred to next financial year the Rs 15,000 crore equity infusion in state-owned fuel retailers to support their investments in energy transition projects.

 

Sitharaman while presenting the annual Budget for 2023-24 on February 1 last year announced equity infusion of Rs 30,000 crore in Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to support their energy transition plans.

 

Alongside, she had also proposed Rs 5,000 crore for buying crude oil to fill strategic underground storages at Mangalore in Karnataka and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh that India has built to guard against any supply disruptions.

 

In November last year, the finance ministry halved the equity support and the documents of the interim budget for 2024-25 Sitharaman presented in Lok Sabha on Thursday showed no allocation for equity infusion in current fiscal. The Rs 15,000 crore has now been earmarked for 2024-25 fiscal (April 2024 to March 2025).

10:31 PM

It's a budget that focuses on the continuation of policy: Sahil Kapoor of DSP Mutual Fund

"It is noteworthy is that this is a budget entirely focused on fiscal consolidation and not populism, which was expected to be in focus because of the upcoming general elections. The most pleasing words from the budget: "No changes in taxation. It's a budget that focuses on the continuation of policy and doesn't introduce any surprises. It's a budget prepared keeping in mind that global fiscal expenditure may decrease this year, and the global monetary policy may tighten. The government has assumed an increase in total expenditure of 6.1% YoY in FY25. This is the lowest growth in 8 years, and less than half of the 8-year average of 12.4%. The budget has a negative fiscal impulse, with the gross fiscal deficit contracting by Rs. 49,000 crores and the primary deficit reducing by Rs. 1.8 lakh crores. The bond market has rejoiced with a drop in yields, and rightfully so. Gross and net borrowing for FY25 are lower than FY24. The fiscal deficit is expected at 5.1% for FY25, a reduction of 0.7%. With India getting included in global bond indices and the supply of Govt. Securities estimated to be lower, it will lift a major hurdle for the RBI to exercise a more neutral to easy monetary policy - advantage duration funds," Sahil Kapoor, Head - Products and Market Strategist at DSP Mutual Fund on Budget.

10:30 PM

Union budget: Rs 8.5k cr allocated for WR's Gujarat works, Rs 25k given to NHSRCL

The Mumbai-headquartered Western Railway said Rs 8,587 crore has been allocated for railway works on its network in Gujarat in the interim budget presented on Thursday, which is 14 times the Rs 580 crore average annual outlay between 2009 and 2014.

 

The WR release quoted Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

 

The release further said the outlay for Madhya Pradesh is Rs 15,143 crore, which is 24 times the average outlay of Rs. 632 crore from 2009 to 2014.

 

Total investment of Rs 30,789 crore is being made in Gujarat, where 97 per cent of the route has been electrified and 856 road overbridges and road underbridges have been constructed in the last 10 years, the WR release quoted Vaishnaw as saying.

 

"Twenty-eight 'one station one product' stalls are functional in Gujarat, while 87 stations in the state are being re-developed under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The work of redevelopment of Surat and Somnath stations is progressing at a very fast pace," Vishnaw was quoted as saying in the release.

10:29 PM

Devendra Shah, Chairman, Parag Milk Foods applauds govt's commitment to dairy sector

“Parag Milk Foods applauds the government's commitment to the dairy sector, recognizing its significance as the largest agricommodity that sustains the livelihoods of 80 million dairy farmers. With the focus on the agriculture sector, the announcement of a comprehensive program for dairy farmers, coupled with efforts to control foot and mouth disease, is a positive step. The commitment to promote indigenous breeds and fostering research and development in the dairy sector through government schemes lays the foundation for increased productivity and sustainable growth. At Parag, we're ready to actively contribute to this vision, ensuring a prosperous future for our dairy farmers and reinforcing India's global leadership in milk production," said Devendra Shah, Chairman, Parag Milk Foods.

10:27 PM

Nearly Rs 2,000 crore hike in space department budget, dip in allocation for atomic energy

Tasked with setting up India's space station, the Department of Space has received a hike of nearly Rs 2,000 crore in the interim Budget 2024-25 as against 2023-24.

 

The Department of Space has been allocated Rs 13,042.75 crore in the interim Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday. According to the revised estimates for 2023-24, the allocation for the department was Rs 11,070.07 crore.

 

There has been a significant increase in allocation for space technology from Rs 8,180 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 10,087 crore in 2024-25.

 

On the other hand, the Budget estimates for the Department of Atomic Energy for 2024-25 stand at Rs 24,968.98 crore net of recoveries - down from Rs 25,078.49 crore in 2023-24.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target for the Department of Space to build a 'Bharat Antariksh Station' by 2035 and land an Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040.

10:26 PM

Interim budget just election gimmick: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Thursday described the interim Union budget as merely an "election gimmick" and called it a betrayal with the farmers, youths and women of the country.

 

While presenting the interim budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will formulate a strategy to make India self-reliant in edible oils by boosting domestic output of oilseeds and launch a comprehensive programme to support dairy farmers.

 

She said the government will further promote private and public investment in post-harvest activities to boost food processing levels and farmers' income. Application of nano-liquid DAP (di-ammonium phosphate), a key fertiliser, will be expanded to all agro-climatic zones.

 

Sitharaman also said the government will step up efforts for value addition in the agricultural sector and boosting farmers' income.

 

However, Tikait, the national spokesperson of BKU, reacted sharply to the budget announcement.

10:25 PM

I&B Ministry gets Rs 4,342 crore in interim budget

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday allocated Rs 4,342.55 crore to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in the interim Budget for 2024-25, a slight decrease from the revised estimates of Rs 4,449.79 in the previous fiscal.

 

According to the Budget document presented by Sitharaman, a large portion of the allocation -- Rs 2,959.94 crore -- has been made to broadcasting, while Rs 1,088.16 crore has been earmarked under the head of Information and Publicity, which is marginally higher than the revised estimates of the previous fiscal.

 

Sitharaman has allocated Rs 36.93 crore under the head of Art and Culture, which is less than the Rs 45.54 crore earmarked in the revised estimates for 2023-24.

 

The finance minister made it clear that she was presenting the interim Budget for 2024-25 and the government will present the "full budget in July".

10:20 PM

Extension of tax benefits to startups for 1 more year till March 2025 a progressive move: Industry

The interim Budget announcement related to the extension of tax benefits to startups by one more year till March 2025 underlines the government's commitment towards creating a conducive environment for startup development and sustainable investments, the industry said on Thursday, terming it a progressive and encouraging move.

 

"...the extension of tax benefits until March 2025 for startups, sovereign wealth, and pension funds signify a government committed to supporting growth and resilience. The prolonged tax benefits indicate a steady commitment to creating a conducive environment for startup development and sustainable investments," MobiKwik Founder and CEO Bipin Preet Singh said.

 

CEO and Co-Founder of magicpin Anshoo Sharma lauded the move saying it would provide much-needed continuity and inflows to the Indian startup ecosystem.

10:19 PM

Tourism sector welcomes govt's focus on domestic tourism, infra to boost connectivity

The tourism and hospitality sector lauded the government's focus on domestic tourism in the Interim Budget 2024-25, which was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday.

 

"The government's continued focus on domestic tourism in the interim Budget 2024-25 is encouraging. Empowering iconic destinations and local entrepreneurs through interest-free loans and quality ratings will elevate India's tourism landscape. The projects to enhance connectivity through the development of airports, railways, metros, ports and the tourism infrastructure will enhance demand and generate employment," Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia, Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor K B Kachru said.

 

Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics Director, Research, Pushan Sharma stated that a 45 per cent increase in allocation to the tourism sector to Rs 2,450 crore is expected to boost employment generation as well as the sector's share in overall GDP.

10:16 PM

Union Budget gives thrust to multi-model connectivity, say logistics players

The Union Budget 2024-25 has given a thrust to multi-model connectivity by implementing economic railway corridors and port connectivity corridors, logistics and port players said on Thursday.

 

Rajiv Agarwal, MD & CEO, Essar Ports said that with a substantial increase in infrastructure outlay the budget has rightly given a thrust to multi-modal connectivity by implementing three major economic railway corridor under the PM Gati Shakti programme.

 

"These initiatives will go a long way in improving logistics efficiency and reducing cost. This will surely elevate India's logistics and infrastructure landscape".

 

Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director, North Africa and India Subcontinent, DP World said that the budget complements the vision of a 'Vikasit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047 with a strong focus on infrastructure development.

10:15 PM

Budget shows govt's dedication to fostering robust transport infra: Himanshu Chaturvedi of Tata Projects

“In the fiscal year 2024-25, the interim budget not only envisions unprecedented development but also strategically focuses on key sectors driving progress. Tata Projects welcomes the commitment to railway corridor-port connectivity under DFC, encompassing plans for more than 2 corridors. This signifies a notable step towards enhancing transportation infrastructure, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to building smart and sustainable projects. Furthermore, the budget introduces three new rail corridors for energy, cement, and minerals, while also expanding metro trains and NaMo Bharat trains to more cities. These initiatives underscore the government's dedication to fostering robust and inclusive transportation infrastructure, reflecting Tata Projects' own commitment to contributing to the development of sustainable infrastructural projects. Additionally, the implementation of three major railway corridor programs under PM Gati Shakti not only enhances logistics efficiency but also demonstrates a keen understanding of how strategic infrastructure investment can significantly reduce costs," Himanshu Chaturvedi, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects Ltd.

10:05 PM

2024 interim Budget signals India's resilient economic focus despite global uncertainties: SICCI

The interim Budget announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman on Thursday is an indication that the Indian government is striving for consistent economic growth despite geopolitical uncertainties, the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) said.

 

The announcements in the interim Budget will continue to support the initiatives launched for Indian citizens and further boost bilateral economic ties on a government-to-government basis, SICCI Chairman Neil Parekh noted.

 

The budget lists several initiatives to deepen economic cooperation and explore joint opportunities with the finance minister detailing various business opportunities between Singaporean and Indian companies.

 

A recent one is the Indian government's decision to expand the electric vehicle ecosystem, an area in which Singapore is keen to work closely with regional governments and share expertise, Parekh said.

 

In the tourism sector, the Indian government has announced interest-free loans for states to promote tourism, he observed.

 

These initiatives were actively discussed between SICCI and several Indian state delegations during the two recent Global Investment Summits held at Chennai and Ahmedabad in January 2024.

 

A significant push has also been announced to train almost 1.4 crore Indian youths to make them job-ready under the Skills India mission, the SICCI chief noted.

10:04 PM

It is an India first budget: Ajay Singh, CMD SpiceJet and President, Assocham

"It is an India first budget. A confident budget of a confident government that focuses on the objective of ensuring that India becomes a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2025 and a developed nation by 2047. I commend the FM for her unwavering commitment to sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas. I commend especially the increase in infrastructure spending that will have a multiplier effect on our economy. I commend the evident railway corridors, and the one lakh crore fund for research and development and the startup sector. The emphasis on clean energy, technology and digital infrastructure will make India a world leader. This is India’s moment and this budget is part of a continuous process of making policy that will provide massive opportunities for India and Indians," said Ajay Singh, CMD SpiceJet and President, Assocham.

9:59 PM

Budget positive for debt mkt: Experts

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman aims to reduce fiscal deficit to 5.1 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) for FY25 is distinctly positive for the debt market, mutual fund houses said on Thursday.

 

Continuing on the fiscally prudent path, Sitharaman in the interim Budget refrained from announcing populist measures, which will help it trim the fiscal deficit to 5.1 per cent of the GDP next fiscal and 4.5 per cent in FY26.

 

The interim Budget is only a vote-on-account, a procedural necessity pending elections. She said that the fiscal deficit for 2024-25 is estimated at 5.1 per cent of GDP against 5.8 per cent in the current financial year.

 

Terming the interim Budget judicious, Vetri Subramaniam, Chief Investment Officer, UTI AMC said that the degree of fiscal consolidation with a target of 5.1 per cent in FY25 is more than anticipated and is positive for softening of bond yields.

9:45 PM

A very pragmatic & growth-oriented interim budget: Dhawal Dalal, President & CIO- Fixed Income, Edelweiss MF

"A very pragmatic & growth-oriented interim budget with continued focus on conservative revenue estimation and fiscal consolidation. The FM believes in under-promise and over-delivering on fiscal front. Lower borrowing in FY25 is expected to decline bond yields. This will be positive for the economy and will support in reaching our goal of $5T economy by end of 2027, in our view.," said Dhawal Dalal, President & Chief Investment Officer- Fixed Income, Edelweiss MF.

9:40 PM

The Budget reflects a bold stride towards holistic transformation: Vivek Lohia, MD, Jupiter Wagons Limited

Vivek Lohia, MD, Jupiter Wagons Limited said, "This year’s Union unveiled a transformative vision for the rail sector, emphasizing strategic initiatives such as the Port Connectivity Corridor, Energy, Mineral, and Cement Corridor, and the High Traffic Density Corridor. These corridors signify a pivotal step towards enhancing connectivity, driving economic growth, and ensuring passenger safety. With a focus on outcomes over outlays, the government underscores its commitment to timely delivery and cost-effective logistics solutions. Also, these are core infrastructures. every penny invested in core infrastructure has a rebound effect on the economy. The announcement reflects a bold stride towards holistic transformation and underscores the government's dedication to modernising India's railway infrastructure."

 

On the 40,000 bogies, he said, "The announcement in the Union Budget 2024 regarding the upgrade of 40,000 regular rail bogies to Vande Bharat standards marks a significant milestone in India's railway modernization journey. This initiative reflects a dedicated effort to elevate passenger safety, comfort, and operational efficiency to global standards. As the nation progresses towards modernizing its railway infrastructure, this move underscores a commitment to excellence and sets a benchmark for future development. It is a testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and reliability of our railway services, ultimately benefiting millions of passengers across the country."

 

9:29 PM

JCCI says nothing new in budget for business community

Industry leaders here welcomed the Union Budget for giving full focus to all major sectors including defence, health and agriculture, but rued that no relief has been announced for the business community.

 

The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry hailed the continuity of tax benefits for start-ups, tax exemptions for units, rooftop solarisation for households, and the announcement of two crore additional houses in the next five years under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

 

However, the chamber rued that no new proposal has been announced for local industry.

 

"There is nothing new for the business community as no relief has been announced for them in the budget", the President of Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Arun Gupta said in response to the union budget presented on Thursday.

9:04 PM

Interim budget builds on economic momentum: Sudarshan Venu

The interim budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday is one that builds on the economic momentum and growth of the last few years, TVS Motor Company MD Sudarshan Venu said.

 

It was also very clear that the government was committed to developing infrastructure at an unprecedented pace through measures such as the economic railway corridors, he said.

 

"It is also promoting greener mobility through the push on the entire EV (Electric Vehicle) ecosystem from charging stations to manufacturing in India in line with AtmaNirbhar Bharat. This will give our industry a greater fillip. Overall, it is a budget that builds on the economic momentum and the growth of the last few years," Venu added.

9:03 PM

Union Cabinet extends animal husbandry infra fund till 2025-26

The Union Cabinet on Thursday extended the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) till 2025-26.

 

In June 2020, the government had approved setting up of AHIDF worth Rs 15,000 crore.

 

According to an official statement on Thursday, the Cabinet approved the "continuation of Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) to be implemented under Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) with an outlay of Rs 29,610.25 crore for another three years up to 2025-26."

 

The scheme will incentivize investments for dairy processing and product diversification, meat processing and product diversification, animal feed plant, breed multiplication farm, animal waste to wealth management (Agri-waste management) and veterinary vaccine and drug production facilities.

 

"Government of India will provide 3 per cent interest subvention for 8 years including two years of moratorium for loan up to 90 per cent from the scheduled bank and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), NABARD and NDDB," the statement said.

9:02 PM

Interim budget allocates Rs 789 crore for Mumbai Urban Transport Projects

The interim Union budget presented on Thursday provides Rs 789 crore for the Mumbai Urban Transport Projects (MUTP) undertaken for the expansion of the suburban railway network in the country's financial capital.

 

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs 100 crore for MUTP (second phase), Rs 300 crore for MUTP-III and Rs 389 crore for MUTP-IIIA, said a senior Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) official.

 

"The budget allocation will further give impetus to MUTP works," said Subhash Chand Gupta, chairman and managing director of MRVC.

 

All contracts for 17 station improvement works under the MUTP have been awarded, and Panvel-Karjat new suburban corridor project and Virar-Dahanu quadrupling work were proceeding on schedule, he added. "We have also started groundwork of the Kalyan-Badlapur quadrupling project and Borivali Virar fifth and sixth lines," Gupta said. In the Union budget for FY 23-24, a total of Rs 1100 crore were allocated for MUTP. Nearly 75 lakh commuters travel by suburban locals in Mumbai every day.

9:01 PM

Interim Budget 2024-25: Allocation for Minority Affairs Ministry increases by Rs 574 crore

The budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Minority Affairs has increased by Rs 574.27 crore to Rs 3,183.24 crore for 2024-25 as against the revised estimate of Rs 2,608.93 crore in 2023-24.

 

The budget allocation for the ministry was Rs 3,097.60 in 2023-24. However, the revised estimate was Rs 2,608.93, according to official documents.

 

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim Budget 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. This was her sixth straight Budget.

 

The budget estimate for the Ministry of Minority Affairs this year is Rs 3,183.24.

 

Of the proposed allocation for the ministry, Rs 1,575.72 crore is for education empowerment.

 

The allocation for Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities is Rs 326.16 crore and for Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities is Rs 1,145.38 crore.

8:38 PM

Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet Limited hails the interim Budget 2024-25

“The interim Budget 2024-25 reiterates government's commitment to strengthening the ‘Annadata’ and backbone of our nation – our farmers. From direct financial assistance through PM-KISAN SAMMAN Yojana to expanding farmer-centric policies and promoting innovations, the budget paves the way for inclusive, sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. Initiatives such as e-NAM and PMMSY are empowering farmers with better market access and infrastructure, while the focus on enhancing adoption of Nano-DAP clearly showcase government’s intent to handhold farmers amidst the continuously evolving weather conditions. The proposals to improve milk yields and aquaculture productivity in addition to achieving 'Atmanirbharta' for oilseeds, demonstrates the government's commitment to food security and livelihood of generation across diverse agricultural fields. Overall, today’s Interim Budget 2024-25 offers a promising roadmap for empowering our farmers, ensuring food security, and propelling the agricultural sector towards a brighter future,” said Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, Godrej Agrovet Limited. 

8:37 PM

Interim budget builds on economic momentum: Sudarshan Venu

The interim budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday is one that builds on the economic momentum and growth of the last few years, TVS Motor Company MD Sudarshan Venu said.

 

It was also very clear that the government was committed to developing infrastructure at an unprecedented pace through measures such as the economic railway corridors, he said.

 

"It is also promoting greener mobility through the push on the entire EV (Electric Vehicle) ecosystem from charging stations to manufacturing in India in line with AtmaNirbhar Bharat. This will give our industry a greater fillip. Overall, it is a budget that builds on the economic momentum and the growth of the last few years," Venu added.

8:35 PM

Union Budget to boost overall socio-economic development of the country, says Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE

While appreciating the Interim Budget, Shri Atul Sobti, DG, SCOPE said, "Though the announcements are macro in nature, they are likely to boost the overall socio-economic development of the country as it gives requisite impetus to economic prosperity by empowering youth, women and the marginalized; social development by focussing growth and development of rural India and focusing on environmental sustainability so as to contribute towards a greener planet. The inclusivity aspect combined with focus on infrastructure development and synergy amongst sectors would pave the way for a sustainable inclusive development."

 

8:23 PM

Interim Budget lays a foundation for building inclusive India: Nadir Godrej

“The Interim Budget 2024 lays a strong foundation for building a prosperous and inclusive India, in line with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat’. We echo the sentiment of empowerment for every section of society, particularly the 'Garib', 'Mahilayen', 'Yuva', and 'Annadata'. Their progress is intertwined with the nation's advancement, and it's heartening to see the Government prioritize their needs and aspirations. The foresight outlined for the 'Amrit Kaal', anchored in 'Reform, Perform, and Transform', sets a promising trajectory for inclusive and sustainable growth. The emphasis on next-generation reforms, underscores a collective endeavor towards a prosperous future. We particularly welcome the emphasis on clean energy initiatives like bio-manufacturing and compressed biogas blending. These measures will not only address climate concerns but also create exciting new opportunities in the green sector. Overall, Budget 2024 strikes a positive balance between continuity and progress, laying down a roadmap towards development, fostering innovation, and nurturing a sustainable future for our nation by 2047,” said Godrej Industries Ltd.'s Chairman and MD- Nadir Godrej.

8:20 PM

FM has been able to bring out confident India story through Budget: Union Minister Piyush Goyal

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday hailed the Union Budget-2024 presented this morning by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, saying that she has been able to bring out a confident India story.

 

Speaking to ANI exclusively, the Union Minister dubbed the Budget an 'inclusive' one and said that every section of society has received due attention in it.

 

"It is remarkable that Finance Minister Sitharamanji, 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 movement that will make India a developed nation by 2047. A story that 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..." he said.

 

Goyal further said that his government has used the last ten years to empower every individual in the country with all the basic needs of life.