Reflection of Youth India in ‘Navratna’ Budget – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Reaction

Mumbai, Dt. 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has justified the trust of crores of countrymen by providing relief to the common people through major changes in the tax structure. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented a “Navratna” budget, focusing on nine key areas: farmers, women, youth, skill development, employment, infrastructure development, urban development, substantial provision for youth welfare, and the promotion of a ‘Developed India’. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his appreciation for this visionary budget today.

Strength to Farmers

Congratulating Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting the Union Budget for the seventh consecutive time, Chief Minister Shinde highlighted the emphasis on the welfare of the poor, women, youth, and farmers. The provision of 1.52 lakh crores for agriculture and allied sectors, along with the decision to provide digital public infrastructure to boost productivity in the agriculture sector, aims to strengthen both the agriculture sector and the farmers. He also noted the timely decision to encourage one crore farmers to adopt natural farming, aligning with the state government’s initiatives in Maharashtra.

Relief for Common Man

Chief Minister Shinde welcomed the new tax structure, seeing it as a relief for common people and employees. He believes this new tax structure will increase the number of taxpayers, maintaining Maharashtra’s leadership in tax collection, which is essential for development.

Transformation of Rural Areas

Shinde emphasized that the budget is comprehensive, considering nine major factors: productivity in agriculture, employment and skill development, manpower development and social justice, production and services, urban development, energy conservation, infrastructure, research and development, and improvements for the new generation. He highlighted the allocation of 2.66 lakh crore rupees for rural development, predicting a transformative impact on villages.

Employment Opportunities for Youth

The budget’s focus on youth is evident, with provisions made to create 5 million additional jobs. This will open up significant employment opportunities for the youth of Maharashtra. Youth will benefit from internship opportunities in 500 leading companies nationwide, with about one crore youth expected to benefit over five years. The new skill development scheme aims to train 20 lakh youth in five years through a joint venture between the state government and industry. Additionally, doubling loans through the Mudra Yojana empowers the youth further.

Infrastructure Development

The budget also makes substantial provisions for infrastructure development, with a capital allocation of 11 lakh crores. Maharashtra, a leader in infrastructure development, will benefit from this. The decision to encourage private investment in infrastructure through government policies is expected to bolster infrastructure projects in Maharashtra. The allocation of 26 thousand crores for road construction nationwide will strengthen the communication network. The approval of 12 industrial parks across the country under the National Industrial Corridor Development Program is a significant boost for industry.

The launch of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase 4, aimed at building quality roads for 25 thousand villages nationwide, is crucial for the development of rural roads in Maharashtra. Additionally, Chief Minister Shinde noted that solar energy will receive a boost through the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and the budget’s provisions and schemes will significantly contribute to Maharashtra’s development.