Budget 2023-24 Presents Vision For Amrit Kaal- Blue Print For An Empowered And Inclusive Economy: Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi: Union Budget 2023-24 presented by Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament today outlined the vision of Amrit Kaal which shall reflect an empowered and inclusive economy.  “We envision a prosperous and inclusive India, in which the fruits of development reach all regions and citizens, especially our youth, women, farmers, OBCs, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes”, she said.

Vision for Amrit Kaal – an empowered and inclusive economy

Finance Minister highlighted that “Our vision for the Amrit Kaal includes technology-driven and knowledge-based economy with strong public finances, and a robust financial sector”. To achieve this, Jan Bhagidari through Sabka Saath Sabka Prayas is essential, she added.

The economic agenda for achieving this vision would focus on three priorities:

Facilitating ample opportunities for citizens, especially the youth, to fulfil their aspirations;

Providing strong impetus to growth and job creation; 

and Strengthening macro-economic stability

To service these focus areas in country’s journey to India@100, the budget identifies four transformative opportunities:-

1. Economic Empowerment of Women through SHGs

Noting that the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihood Mission has achieved remarkable success by mobilizing rural women into 81 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs), Union Finance Minister stated that “We will enable these groups to reach the next stage of economic empowerment through formation of large producer enterprises or collectives.”

2. PM VIshwakarma Kaushal Samman (PM VIKAS)

Union Finance Minster announced a new scheme for the traditional artisans and craftspeople, generally referred to as Vishwakarma. Noting that the art and handicraft created by them represent the true spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, for the first time, a package of assistance for them has been conceptualized.

3. Tourism Promotion in Mission Mode

Underlining the immense tourism potential the country offers for domestic as well as foreign tourists, FM stated that “The sector holds huge opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship for youth in particular and there is a large potential to be tapped in tourism.” She announced that promotion of tourism will be taken up on mission mode, with active participation of states, convergence of government programmes and public-private partnerships.

4. Green Growth

Sitharaman emphasized the focus of the Government on green growth efforts that help in reducing carbon intensity of the economy and provides for large-scale green job opportunities.