Kolkata: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Interim Budget 2024-25 of the Modi Government on Thursday, a day after the commencement of the Budget Session. This was Narendra Modi Government’s last budget before the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
Industry experts have hailed the Budget as growth oriented and progressive. Lauding the Budget, Corporate and Healthcare Experts welcomed the Modi Government’s aim to make India a ‘Viksit’ (Developed) nation by 2047. Let’s take a look at what Experts have to say about the budget:
Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, MD & CEO, Bandhan, said, “The interim budget focuses extensively on inclusive development and is a step forward in the $5 trillion economy aspirations of the nation. The focus on housing sector will benefit a range or peripheral sectors like cements, paints and, steel, among others, and create employment opportunities. The focus on women empowerment will further boost the economy. The emphasis on infrastructure and rural development will lay a strong foundation for India’s growth story.”
Finance Minister pushed for vaccination for girls to prevent cervical cancer in Budget 2024. Welcoming the Government’s massive announcement, Dr. R. Sankaranarayanan – Director, Preventive Oncology, Karkinos Healthcare, said, “We applaud the government’s initiative to encourage and implement the HPV vaccination of girls in the age group of 9-14 years, for the prevention of cervical cancer. The announcement made in the interim budget will greatly help improve HPV vaccination usage and substantially contribute to advocacy, prevention and elimination of cervical cancer in the country. Undoubtedly it is a major step to further improve women’s health in India.”
Kuldip Maity, MD & CEO, VFS Capital, said, “We commend the Hon’ble Finance Minister for presenting a budget focused on ‘Vikasit Bharat,’ with a prime emphasis on the welfare of the poor, women, youth, and farmers. In today’s interim budget, the minister highlighted the substantial growth in women entrepreneurship over the past decade, allocating 30 crore MUDRA Yojana loans to empower women entrepreneurs. This is expected to catalyse further advancements in women’s entrepreneurship, contributing to the overall development of the Indian economy. We also applaud the government’s decision to raise the target for the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme from 2 crore to 3 crore women, showcasing a dedication to broadening financial independence for women. This expanded scope will bring more women within the purview of the scheme, positively impacting their economic autonomy. Furthermore, the government’s commitment to making the eastern region a potent driver of India’s growth is noteworthy. We welcome this move as it holds the promise of unlocking new opportunities for growth and development in the Eastern region, benefiting its residents.