Today is an important milestone in India's development journey! This is the budget of aspirations of 140 crore Indians, this is a budget that fulfils the dreams of every Indian. We have opened many sectors for the youth. The common citizen is going to drive the mission of developed India. This budget is a force multiplier. This budget will increase savings, increase investment, increase consumption and also increase growth rapidly. I congratulate Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ji and her entire team for this Janta Janardan ka Budget, People's Budget.

Friends, 

Usually the focus of the budget is on how the government's treasury will be filled, but this budget is exactly the opposite of that. But this budget lays a very strong foundation on how the pockets of the citizens of the country will be filled, how the savings of the citizens of the country will increase and how the citizens of the country will become partners in development.

Friends, 

Important steps have been taken in the direction of reform in this budget. The decision to promote the private sector in nuclear energy is very historic. This will ensure a major contribution of civil nuclear energy in the development of the country in the coming times. All areas of employment have been given priority in every way in the budget. But I would like to draw attention to two things, I would like to discuss those reforms, which are going to bring a big change in the coming times. One - Due to infrastructure status, the construction of big ships in India will be encouraged, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan will get momentum and we all know that ship building is the sector that provides the most employment. 

Similarly, there is a lot of potential for tourism in the country. For the first time, a lot of emphasis has been given to tourism by bringing the hotels that will be built at 50 important tourist destinations under the ambit of infrastructure. This will work to energize the hospitality sector, which is a very big area of employment, and tourism, which is the biggest area of employment, in a way, by creating employment opportunities all around. Today, the country is moving ahead with the mantra of development and heritage. In this budget, very important and concrete steps have been taken for this. Gyan Bharat Mission has been launched for the preservation of one crore manuscripts. Along with this, a National Digital Repository inspired by the Indian knowledge tradition will be created. This means that technology will be used to the fullest and the work of extracting nectar from our traditional knowledge will also be done.

Friends,

The announcements made for farmers in the budget will form the basis of a new revolution in the agriculture sector and the entire rural economy. Under the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, irrigation and infrastructure will be developed in 100 districts, and the Kisan Credit Card limit being increased to Rs 5 lakh will help them more.

Friends,

Now in this budget, income up to Rs 12 lakh has been exempted from tax. Tax has also been reduced for people of all income groups. Our middle class, people in jobs whose income is fixed, such middle class people are going to get a huge benefit from this. Similarly, people who have entered new professions, people who have got new jobs, this exemption from income tax will become a huge opportunity for them.  

Friends,

There is a 360 degree focus on manufacturing in this budget, so that entrepreneurs, MSMEs, small entrepreneurs get strengthened and new jobs are created. Special support has been given to many sectors from National Manufacturing Mission to Cleantech, Leather, Footwear, Toy Industry. The goal is clear that Indian products can shine in the global market. 

Friends,

Special emphasis has been laid in the budget on creating a vibrant competitive environment for investment in the states. An announcement has also been made to double the credit guarantee for MSMEs and startups. A scheme of loan up to Rs 2 crore has also been brought for SC, ST and women entrepreneurs of the country, who want to become new entrepreneurs, and that too without guarantee. In this budget, keeping in mind the new age economy, a big announcement has been made for gig workers. For the first time, gig workers will be registered on the e-shram portal. After this, these colleagues will get the benefit of healthcare and other social security schemes. This dignity of labor reflects the government's commitment towards it, Shramev Jayate. From regulatory reforms to financial reforms, steps like Jan Vishwas 2.0 will further strengthen our commitment to minimum government and trust based governance.

Friends,

This budget not only takes into account the current needs of the country, but also helps us prepare for the future. Deep Tech Fund for Startups, Geospatial Mission and Nuclear Energy Mission are such important steps. I once again congratulate all the countrymen for this historic People's Budget and once again congratulate the Finance Minister. Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/VJ