Union Government’s 2024-25 Budget Under PM Shri Narendra Modi – A Visionary Blueprint for Viksit Bharat: Chief Minister

Gandhinagar : Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, in his response to the Central Government’s 2024-25 budget, hailed it as a visionary and inclusive blueprint for Viksit Bharat. He praised the comprehensive nature of the budget, meticulously prepared under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, highlighting that it stands as the third consecutive budget reflecting the profound trust the people have placed in the PM’s leadership.

Shri Bhupendra Patel mentioned the PM’s steadfast commitment to ‘GYAN’—a holistic development strategy focused on uplifting the Garib (poor), Yuva (Youth), Annadata (farmers), and Naari (women). This budget demonstrates a robust emphasis on employment, skill development, MSMEs, and the middle class, while also prioritizing energy security and agricultural advancements, including natural farming. As India nears its centenary of independence, the CM noted the budget’s special emphasis on empowering the youth, with ambitious plans to position them as a global force by 2047. Five new schemes, targeting 4.1 crore youth and backed by a substantial allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore, are set to propel the youth towards new horizons in employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. 

CM also affirmed that the budget significantly advances the nine priorities established by PM Shri Narendra Modi for achieving Viksit Bharat. He noted that the budget addresses key areas including agricultural productivity and support, employment and skills development, inclusive human resource development and social justice, manufacturing and services, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation, research and development, and facilities for the next generation. The CM welcomed these innovative approaches across these critical sectors. He emphasized that enrolling 1 crore farmers in natural farming over the next five years will greatly benefit Gujarat’s natural farmers and fulfill the PM’s vision for boosting natural farming. The budget also reflects the PM’s commitment to farmer welfare by providing certification and branding support for natural farmers. CM pointed out that the implementation of the National Cooperation Policy will fast-track the rural economy and effectively promote the mantra of ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ across the nation.

He also praised the introduction of three Employment Linked Incentive schemes with EPFO for employment and training, which will stimulate job creation in the manufacturing sector. These schemes are designed to benefit both employees and employers and will expand employment opportunities for youth and young entrepreneurs in Gujarat. Additionally, the CM highlighted the importance of establishing Working Women Hostels in partnership with industrial units, which will enhance the efficiency of Gujarat’s female workforce. This initiative will support special programs for women’s empowerment, skill development, and improved market access.

CM welcomed the focus on skill development, highlighting the Central Government’s plan to launch a comprehensive skilling program in collaboration with the state government and industry, aimed at training 20 lakh youth over the next 5 years. He also commended the decision to upgrade 1,000 industry training institutes, which will generate new opportunities for upskilling and skill enhancement for Gujarat’s youth. Under the PM Awas Yojana, the CM noted that plans are in place to build 3 crore new homes nationwide, offering crores of poor families their own houses. CM showed strong support for the Prime Minister’s commitment to tribal development, stating that the PM Janajatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan will accelerate the distribution of government benefits in tribal areas, benefiting over 5 crore tribal people across 63,000 villages, including communities from Umargam to Ambaji in Gujarat.

CM characterized the budget as a major boost for the state’s industries, emphasizing that the MSME sector, vital to Gujarat’s industrial growth, will receive significant support from the budget’s special provisions, with a particular focus on MSME and labor incentive production units. CM also welcomed the introduction of a new credit scheme for MSMEs in the manufacturing sector, which includes provisions for unsecured loans to acquire machinery and equipment. The CM mentioned the increase in Mudra loan limits from 10 lakhs to 20 lakhs and noted that the Central Government will provide internship opportunities to 1 crore youth at the top 100 companies over the next five years, with a monthly allowance of 5,000 rupees. Additionally, a one-time assistance of 6,000 rupees will be offered, and companies will cover training costs, with 10% of internship expenses supported by CSR funds.

Regarding the budget’s provision for developing 100 investment-ready, plug-and-play industrial parks, the CM announced that 12 new industrial parks will be approved under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, which will greatly benefit Gujarat’s young entrepreneurs. To support the state’s mission in non-conventional energy, the CM commended the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana – Roof Top Solar Plant scheme, which provides up to 300 units of free electricity to 1 crore households. The scheme has garnered a strong response, with 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications. Gujarat is leading in the implementation of this initiative, and the CM conveyed the belief that the budget’s energy security provisions will further enhance Gujarat’s leadership in this area. He remarked that the Finance Minister’s decision to increase the standard deduction for salaried employees and pensioners in this year’s budget will offer significant financial relief to the middle class. The CM also praised the removal of the angel tax, as announced by the Union Finance Minister, noting that it will pave the way for a new era of growth for entrepreneurs and startups in Gujarat. He mentioned that the reduction in import duties for gold, silver, and platinum will greatly benefit Gujarat’s gems and jewelry industry, while the budget’s provisions for raw diamonds are set to revitalize the diamond cutting and polishing sector.

On behalf of the entire state of Gujarat, the CM thanked the Prime Minister and the Union Finance Minister for delivering such a comprehensive, inclusive, and people-centric budget. He stated that this budget will further PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by its centenary of independence in 2047.
 Source: Information Department, Gujarat