Modi’s Third NDA Budget Wins Hearts of Maharashtra and India: Ajit Pawar

Mumbai : “The first budget of the third consecutive NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a budget that has won the hearts of Maharashtra and the countrymen. It lays the foundation for a strong, developed India that fulfills the aspirations and expectations of the middle class and working class, and empowers the development of all sectors such as agriculture, industry, trade, education, health, cooperation, employment, self-employment, science, research, skill development, social justice, and women empowerment. This budget takes the country on the path of becoming a world power. I heartily congratulate Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a good, visionary, public welfare budget that balances urban and rural development and emphasizes the development of the weak, deprived, marginalized, backward, and minority sections of society. The first budget of the NDA government has strengthened the confidence of the countrymen in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Deputy Chief Minister and State Finance Minister Ajit Pawar welcomed the Union Budget.

Reacting to the Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar further said that it is the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA government to make the country a developed nation and a world power. This dream has to be fulfilled before the Independence Centenary. This budget has been presented with a vision to fulfill this dream. It prioritizes nine key areas: 1) Productivity increase in the agriculture sector, 2) Emphasis on employment, self-employment, and skill development, 3) Special focus on human resource development and social justice, 4) Development of manufacturing and service sectors, 5) Emphasis on planned development of cities, 6) Energy conservation, 7) Development of infrastructure, 8) Research and priority for development, and 9) Reforms for the new generation. The priority given to these sectors is a decision to promote the overall development of the country and take the country forward in all sectors.

The provision of 1.52 lakh crores for agriculture and allied sectors is significant. It will increase the use of digital technology for the agriculture sector, promote low-cost, high-yielding scientific farming, and strengthen the country’s agricultural sector and farmers. The extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for 5 years ensures food security for 80 crore citizens of the country.

1.48 lakh crore has been allocated for education, employment, and skill development of the youth. In the next 5 years, 20 lakh youth will receive skill development training. Under the scheme based on registration in ‘EPFO’, a one-month allowance will be given in the first month to youths who are ready for employment for the first time, benefiting 21 crore youth. In the next 5 years, internship opportunities will be provided to at least 1 crore youth in 500 companies across the country. Additionally, 12 industrial parks will be set up in the country, which will benefit Maharashtra as well, said Finance Minister Ajit Pawar.

Other key decisions include exempting certain essential medicines from excise duty, reducing surcharges on mobile chargers and other items by 15 percent, making lithium batteries cheaper, and building 1 crore urban homes under PM Awas Urban Yojana at a cost of Rs 10 lakh crore. Ajit Pawar noted that the provision of Rs 2.5 lakh crore in assistance over the next five years will be a relief to common citizens.

The decision to exempt income up to Rs 3 lakh under income tax is crucial for the middle class and working class, saving them at least 17 thousand 500 rupees. The increase in the standard deduction limit from 50 thousand to 75 thousand and the increase in the pension limit from 15 thousand to 25 thousand are also important decisions. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized that these decisions will benefit 4 crore salaried individuals and pensioners, and he welcomed these decisions.