‘ALL INCLUSIVE’ BUDGET!

The “first Budget of Amrit Kaal”, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called her fifth budget in a row on Wednesday. This was the Narendra Modi government’s last full budget before the 2024 Lok Sabha election and came ahead of polls in nine states this year. Keeping that in mind, it ticked off as many boxes as it could without derailing government finances and had something for everybody -- from industry to the middle classes, farmers and various social groups that the BJP would like to keep on its side as the countdown for the general election begins.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said during her budget speech that the focus remains on widening the scope of economic growth, boosting key areas like infrastructure and manufacturing and creating jobs.

First budget of Amrit Kaal....the world has recognised India as a bright star. Economic growth for the current year (2022-23) is estimated at 7 per cent... is the highest among all major economies. — Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister