In the anticipation of the forthcoming Interim Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in a candid statement on Thursday, articulated the government’s commitment to prioritize the welfare of four key demographics: the youth, women, farmers, and the less fortunate. These particular groups, as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are set to be the focal point of the government’s policy orientation.
Speaking at the 125th anniversary celebration of Hindu College in Delhi, Sitharaman injected a dose of humor into her address, stating, “The youth, women, farmers, and the less fortunate still need a bit of hand-holding. So, we’re going to channel all our efforts into making their lives better. And trust me, this time we won’t be delving into the labyrinth of caste, community, or religion.”
Scheduled to unveil the Interim Budget on February 1, just ahead of the looming Lok Sabha elections in April-May, Sitharaman assured that the government’s initiatives went beyond mere financial assistance. She emphasized the importance of creating opportunities, especially for the youth, by investing in skill training programs.
“For farmers, we’re introducing them to newer, more natural methods, which will not only make their lives easier but also cut down on costs. And for the less fortunate, we’re on the brink of reaching the saturation point in providing them with houses, water, electricity, and even road connections,” Sitharaman quipped.
Underlining the government’s accomplishments since 2014, she pointed out the sense of urgency displayed in delivering basic necessities like housing, water, roads, and electricity—a sense of urgency that seemed to have been lacking in the past 50-60 years.
Sitharaman, with a touch of wit, remarked, “In the face of global challenges, such as the Red Sea crisis, many countries want to join hands with India for a long-term understanding on food exports. Except for oilseeds and pulses, we’re practically the superheroes of self-sufficiency in agriculture.”
“We are living in a world plagued by war, Red Sea conflicts, and logistical nightmares in moving foodgrains. Luckily, we’re largely self-sufficient. Agriculture holds immense possibilities, and we’re investing in research and development to unlock its full potential,” she added with a smile.
The Finance Minister concluded on a lighter note, disclosing that the government’s meticulous efforts in direct benefit transfer had managed to save a whopping Rs 2.5 trillion by eliminating dummy and undeserving elements. It seems the government is not just good at balancing the books but also at playing detective—a fiscal superhero of sorts.