Budget 2024-2025
Speech of Nirmala Sitharaman
Minister of Finance
July 23, 2024
Hon'ble Speaker,
I present the Budget for 2024-25.
Introduction
1. The people of India have reposed their faith in the government led by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and re-elected it for a historic third term under his leadership. We are grateful for their support, faith and trust in our policies. We are determined to ensure that all Indians, regardless of religion, caste, gender and age, make substantial progress in realising their life goals and aspirations.
Global Context
2. The global economy, while performing better than expected, is still inthe grip of policy uncertainties. Elevated asset prices, political uncertainties and shipping disruptions continue to pose significant downside risks for growth and upside risks to inflation.
3. In this context, India's economic growth continues to be the shining exception and will remain so in the years ahead. India's inflation continues to be low, stable and moving towards the 4 per cent target. Core inflation (nonfood, non-fuel) currently is 3.1 per cent. Steps are being taken to ensure supplies of perishable goods reach market adequately.
Interim Budget
4. As mentioned in the interim budget, we need to focus on 4 major castes, namely 'Garib' (Poor), 'Mahilayen' (Women), 'Yuva' (Youth) and 'Annadata' (Farmer). For Annadata, we announced higher Minimum Support Prices a month ago for all major crops, delivering on the promise of at least a 50 per cent margin over costs. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was extended for five years, benefitting more than 80 crore people.
5. Administrative actions for approval and implementation of various schemes announced in the interim budget are well underway. The required allocations have been made.
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