Allies Happy with Budget 2024, Middle Class Gets Slight Relief

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented the first budget of Modi 3.0, focusing on four segments: ‘Garib’ (Poor), ‘Mahilayen’ (Women), ‘Yuva’ (Youth), and ‘Annadata’ (Farmer). The budget reflects the mandate of 2024, addressing critical concerns and aiming for a developed India by 2047. The government has acknowledged unemployment as a major challenge and offered modest tax relief to middle-class taxpayers, while also considering the influence of crucial allies like the JDU and the TDP. Bihar and Andhra Pradesh have received special mentions and allocations in the budget due to their significant influence within the coalition.

Andhra Pradesh is set to receive funds for reconstruction, the Polavaram Project, investments in the Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor, and special funds for backward districts. The opposition has criticized the budget for favoring Bihar and Andhra Pradesh disproportionately, with refrains from making announcements for states with impending elections such as Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Jammu-Kashmir. The budget places a strong emphasis on job creation and skill development, with the launch of five schemes to educate, employ, and skill youth entering the job market, benefitting over 4.1 crore individuals in the next five years. It also aims to bridge the gap between industry demand and the current workforce’s capabilities, enhancing youth employability.

Contrary to expectations, the government has not introduced direct cash transfers for women or youth, nor increased support under the PM Kisan Nidhi scheme. The budget has allocated significant funds for agriculture and rural spending to address rural and agricultural distress. Amitabh Tiwari, a political strategist and commentator, expresses these perspectives.