Budget 2024: 25 Crore People Came Out Of Poverty In Last 10 Years, Says FM

Interim Budget 2024: Today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Interim Budget 2024 in Parliament. This budget is considered interim as it precedes the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. Notably, no alterations were made to the tax slabs in both the old and new regimes.

This marks Nirmala Sitharaman's sixth Budget, and it is important to note that a comprehensive budget will be presented by the new government formed after the elections.

The interim budget, essentially a short-term financial plan, seeks approval from Parliament for an advance grant to cover the government's essential expenses for the initial four months of the upcoming financial year.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman | Photo: AP

The Budget Session of Parliament commenced yesterday, featuring President Droupadi Murmu's address to both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in a joint meeting. The session is scheduled to conclude on February 9.

As the country awaits the outcomes of the upcoming elections, the interim budget sets the stage for addressing immediate financial needs until a new government takes charge and presents a more detailed budget.

In the Budget for the year 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared her thoughts about poverty.

In her statement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that the government is committed to "empowering the poor." Over the past decade, approximately 25 crore people have received support, helping them break free from various aspects of poverty.

Sitharaman said that the government's top priority is meeting the aspirations and necessities of the poor, women, youth, and farmers. It reflects a commitment to addressing the essential needs of these groups, ensuring their well-being and development.

While presenting the 2024 Interim Budget in Lok Sabha, the Finance Minister highlighted the significant impact of empowering the underprivileged in the development journey. The Minister highlighted that when the less privileged actively participate in the development process, it not only enhances their well-being but also strengthens the government's capacity to support them."

Poor woman | Photo: Unsplash/Representational Image

She mentioned that transferring 34 lakh crore rupees directly through PM Jan Dhan accounts has helped the government save 2.7 lakh crore. This has enhanced the well-being of the underprivileged, emphasising the positive impact of the direct benefit transfer (DBT) system. She also said that, "78 lakhs street vendors received financial help through the PM Swanidhi scheme. Additionally, artisans and craftsmen received comprehensive support through the PM Vishwakarma Yojna"

"Announcing the PM Kisan Samman Scheme, the government provides direct cash assistance to 11.8 crore farmers annually, including those with small landholdings. The focus is on supporting marginal and small farmers.

Hilghted the idea of 'Garib Kalyan' or the welfare of the poor being crucial for the nation's progress, she highlights that the country advances when the underprivileged sections progress."

(With Input From Agencies)