JK News Today

New Delhi, February 01: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the Union Budget 2025-26 continues efforts to accelerate growth and provide inclusive development.

Presenting the 14th consecutive Budget under the Narendra Modi government since 2014, Sitharaman said, “Together we embark on journey to unlock our potential for greater prosperity.”

She asserted that the Indian economy is fastest-growing among all developing economies.

In her record 8th straight Budget presentation, the finance minister said, “We see the next five years as unique opportunity to stimulate growth.”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will arrange identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal to assist 1 crore gig workers. “…Gig workers of online platforms provide great dynamism to the ‘New Age’ services economy. Recognising their contribution, our government will arrange for their identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal,” she said.

“Those suffering from Cancer, chronic or other severe diseases; I propose to add 36 life-saving drugs and medicines to the list of medicines fully exempted from basic customs duty,” says Sitharaman.

In efforts to boost tourism in the country, Sitharaman said medical tourism will be promoted in partnership with the private sector and the government will also give special focus to destinations related to life and times of Lord Buddha. She also said financial support will be provided for Western Kosi Canal, benefiting 50,000 hectare in Mithilanchal region in Bihar.

“For this, there is a special opportunity for the people of Bihar. A Makhana Board will be established in the state to improve production, processing, value addition and marketing of Makhana. The people engaged in these activities will be organised into FPOs. The Board will provide hand holding and training support to Makhana farmers and will also work to ensure they receive the benefits all relevant government schemes.”

“Kisan Credit Card facilitates short-term loans for 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. The loan limit under modified interest subvention scheme will be enhanced from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC. For self-reliance in urea production, our govt had reopened three dormant urea plans in the eastern region to further augment urea supply – a plant with annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metro tonnes will be set up at Namrup in Assam,” says Sitharaman.

“Our economy is the fastest growing among all major economies. Our development track record for the past 10 years and structural reforms have drawn global attention. Confidence in India’s capability and potential has only grown in this period. We see the next 5 years as a unique opportunity to realise sabka vikas, stimulating balanced growth of all regions.”