Highlighting the role of PSEs in the developmental journey of the country, he added that given the presence of the Public Sector in strategic areas they shall continue to play a pivotal role in priority areas of investment, manufacturing, skilling, innovation and sustainable development while contributing effectively towards export promotion and support to the MSMEs.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_0RKVMx3og

New Delhi | Feb 1, 2025 : CNBC-AWAAZ emerged as the undisputable leader in Budget coverage, drawing over 5 lakh concurrent viewers on YouTube as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025. (Source: Databeings)

According to YouTube concurrent data, CNBC-AWAAZ saw peak concurrency, capturing 4,99, 451 views at 12.05 pm, during the FM’s pivotal speech. This was three times higher than Zee Business, which peaked at 1,72,842 at the time. ET Now Swadesh trailed far behind at 13,633 concurrent views. The channel maintained its leadership throughout the Budget speech, consistently attracting the highest viewership from 11 AM to 12:30 PM.

Speaking on the unparalleled leadership of the network’s Hindi business news brand, Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18 said, “These numbers reinforce CNBC-AWAAZ as India’s number one destination for Budget coverage, which outperformed not just business news competitors but also leading Hindi news channels. Given the channel’s 20-year legacy, audiences have trusted us for clarity, depth, and real-time insights on one of the most important economic events in the country. We thank our viewers and advertisers and remain committed to delivering exceptional value to both.”

CNBC-AWAAZ’s in-depth coverage is complemented by an exceptional panel of experts from the world of finance, investment, and economy, ensuring viewers gain the most comprehensive insights. The channel’s programming is driven by a dedicated team of reporters, researchers, and anchors, led by Anuj Singhal, Managing Editor, CNBC-AWAAZ.

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The Union Budget 2024-25, which resonates with the spirit of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ emphasizes inclusive growth with a focus on Mahilayen, Garib, Yuva, and Annadata. This budget is significantly influenced by the impact of the Lok Sabha elections, which re-elected PM Narendra Modi for a historic third term. The election message for the BJP is writ large on the first budget of Modi 3.0: that their parliamentary seats have decreased, and there are upcoming assembly elections in three states. Setting a robust roadmap for India’s development, the budget, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama, outlines nine critical priorities, each designed to augment growth, inclusivity, and resilience.

By leveraging these opportunities, Public Relations (PR) professionals can play a vital role in amplifying the impact of the government’s initiatives, benefiting all stakeholders, including Sarkar and Aaam Aadami. PR experts and communication strategists can shape public perception of the budget agenda, the blueprints of ministries, and their initiatives. To effectively disseminate messages, government entities can harness the power of events and publicity.

Here, are nine priorities outlined in the budget and the myriad ways in which PR can amplify their implementation and extend their reach.

1. Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture

Opportunities:

· Allocation of ₹1.52 lakh crore to agriculture and allied sectors.

· Introduction of 109 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties across 32 field and horticulture crops.

· Enrollment of 1 crore farmers into natural farming practices, with certification and branding within the next 2 years.

· Establishment of 10,000 need-based bio-input resource centers for natural farming.

· Implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to cover farmers and their lands within 3 years.

Analysis: PR campaigns can effectively spotlight the advantages of digital crop surveys and farmer registries by sharing success stories of farmers who have embraced these innovations. By creating educational content and targeted communications, PR agencies can enhance farmers’ understanding of DPI’s benefits, building trust and encouraging adoption. Hosting workshops and webinars can further facilitate the transfer of knowledge, enabling farmers to implement new practices efficiently.

2. Employment and Skilling

Opportunities:

Implementation of three schemes under the Prime Minister’s package for ‘Employment Linked Incentives’:

· Scheme A: First Timers – providing wage support to new employees.

· Scheme B: Job Creation in Manufacturing – offering incentives to create new jobs.

· Scheme C: Support to Employers – financial assistance to employers for additional hires.

· Establishment of working women hostels and crèches in collaboration with industries.

· Organization of women-specific skilling programs and promotion of market access for women SHG enterprises.

· Introduction of a new centrally sponsored skilling scheme under the Prime Minister’s Package to benefit 20 lakh youth over the next 5 years.

· Revision of the Model Skill Loan Scheme to offer loans up to ₹7.5 lakh.

· Provision of financial support for loans up to ₹10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions for youth who have not previously benefited from government schemes.

Analysis: PR campaigns can effectively highlight the advantages of these employment and skilling schemes by showcasing success stories of first-time employees and employers who have benefited from these initiatives. Emphasizing the impact of direct benefit transfers and additional job opportunities can drive greater participation. Leveraging social media and forging partnerships with educational institutions can amplify these messages, ensuring they reach and resonate with the target audience. Additionally, campaigns can focus on the positive outcomes of the women-specific programs and support for higher education, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.

3. Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice

Opportunity: The government’s focus on all-round development and social justice creates numerous PR opportunities to promote inclusivity.

· Purvodaya: Development initiatives aimed at Eastern India.

· Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act: Addressing the unique needs of the newly reorganized state.

· Women-led Development: Programs to empower women across various sectors.

· Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan: Enhancing the quality of life in tribal areas.

· Expansion of Bank Branches in the North-Eastern Region: Increasing financial inclusion.

Analysis: PR agencies play a crucial role in highlighting the government’s dedication to supporting marginalized communities through these initiatives. Campaigns can spotlight the transformative effects of schemes such as PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi, and Stand-Up India, fostering empowerment and engagement among beneficiaries. By partnering with NGOs and community organizations, PR agencies can amplify these messages, ensuring they effectively reach and resonate with the target audience. This strategic approach not only raises awareness but also enhances the overall impact of these development programs, driving positive change and fostering a sense of inclusion and support among diverse communities.

4. Manufacturing and Services

Opportunity: Special attention to MSMEs and labour-intensive manufacturing highlights the budget’s focus on industrial growth. The comprehensive package for MSMEs, including financing, regulatory changes, and technology support, aims to boost their global competitiveness. Schemes like the Credit Guarantee Scheme and Mudra Loans are designed to facilitate easier access to credit for MSMEs, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. This focus on manufacturing is expected to drive job creation and economic diversification.

It presents a significant opportunity for PR professionals.

Analysis: PR campaigns can showcase the government’s initiatives to support MSMEs through financial packages, regulatory changes, and technology support. Highlighting stories of MSMEs that have successfully leveraged these initiatives can inspire other businesses to follow suit. PR agencies can also create content that educates MSMEs about the available support, helping them navigate the complexities of accessing these benefits.

5. Urban Development

Opportunity: The PM Awas Yojana Urban 2.0 addresses the housing needs of urban poor and middle-class families with a substantial investment of Rs 10 lakh crore. The provision of affordable loans and interest subsidies ensures accessible housing solutions. Additionally, the promotion of water supply, sewage treatment, and solid waste management in 100 large cities enhances urban infrastructure. By developing ‘Cities as Growth Hubs’, the government aims to create sustainable urban ecosystems that can drive economic growth and improve living standards.

It provides a rich ground for PR campaigns focused on sustainable urban living.

Analysis: PR agencies can craft narratives that emphasize the transformative impact of these housing and urban development projects. Success stories of families benefiting from affordable housing can be highlighted to showcase the government’s commitment to improving urban living conditions. Additionally, PR campaigns can promote the benefits of sustainable urban infrastructure projects, encouraging public participation and support.

6. Energy Security

Opportunity: The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a transformative step towards achieving energy security. The installation of rooftop solar plants for 1 crore households, providing free electricity up to 300 units per month, not only reduces energy costs but also promotes sustainable energy consumption. This initiative aligns with India’s renewable energy goals and addresses environmental sustainability. The budget’s focus on energy transition pathways balances the imperatives of employment, growth, and environmental sustainability.

It offers a unique opportunity for PR professionals to promote renewable energy initiatives.

Analysis: PR campaigns can focus on the environmental and economic benefits of rooftop solar plants, encouraging more households to participate in the scheme. Highlighting success stories and testimonials from households that have benefited from free electricity can create a positive buzz. Educational content about the long-term savings and environmental impact of solar energy can further enhance public awareness and participation.

7. Infrastructure

Opportunity: The allocation of Rs 11,11,111 crore for capital expenditure underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructure development. This substantial investment is expected to have a multiplier effect on the economy, driving growth and job creation. The provision of Rs 1.5 lakh crore for interest-free loans to states encourages them to prioritize infrastructure development. By maintaining strong fiscal support for infrastructure, the government aims to build a robust foundation for sustained economic growth.

The substantial investment in infrastructure provides a platform for PR campaigns that emphasize economic growth and development.

Analysis: PR agencies can create narratives that highlight the multiplier effect of infrastructure investments on the economy. Success stories of regions that have benefited from improved infrastructure can be showcased to illustrate the tangible benefits of these projects. PR campaigns can also promote the importance of state-level support and collaboration, encouraging states to prioritize infrastructure development.

8. Innovation, Research & Development

Opportunity: The operationalization of the Anusandhan National Research Fund and the establishment of a private sector-driven research mechanism signify the government’s dedication to innovation. The Rs 1 lakh crore financing pool for research and development aims to spur technological advancements and commercialization. The venture capital fund for expanding the space economy further demonstrates India’s ambition to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies. These initiatives are critical for maintaining a culture of innovation and maintaining global competitiveness.

The operationalization of the Anusandhan National Research Fund and private sector-driven research initiatives offer significant PR opportunities.

Analysis: PR campaigns can highlight the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancements. Stories of successful research projects and technological innovations can inspire further participation from the private sector. PR agencies can also promote the benefits of the venture capital fund for the space economy, positioning India as a leader in space research and development.

9. Next Generation Reforms

Opportunity: The formulation of an Economic Policy Framework for next-generation reforms reflects the government’s forward-thinking approach. By improving productivity and efficiency across factors of production—land, labour, capital, and entrepreneurship—the budget sets the stage for sustainable economic growth. The emphasis on technology as an enabler and the collaboration between the Centre and states highlight the importance of competitive federalism. These reforms aim to create a conducive environment for business, drive investment, and ensure long-term economic stability.

The government’s focus on next-generation reforms offers a platform for PR campaigns that emphasize economic modernization and productivity.

Analysis: PR agencies can craft narratives that explain the importance of reforms in improving productivity and market efficiency. Success stories of businesses and regions that have benefited from these reforms can be highlighted to illustrate their impact. Educational content about the long-term benefits of these reforms can help build public support and understanding.

In nutshell, the Union Budget 2024-25 provides numerous opportunities for PR agencies to play a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing the impact of the government’s initiatives. By building persuasive narratives, highlighting success stories, and educating the public, PR professionals can help ensure that these initiatives reach their full potential, facilitating more informed and supportive populace that will drive India towards its goal of becoming a developed nation.

Ramakant Chaudhary is senior journalist and currently working with PRP Group as Content Head. He has worked in various editorial roles with Financial Express, Mint (Hindustan Times Group), The Times Of India, Jagran Post (Dainik Jagran Group), The Pioneer, and The Political and Business Daily. He writes going beyond headlines on: politics, government policy, economy, infrastructure, real estate, education, social issues, lifestyle, and health.

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PM delivered a keynote address at a ‘Webinar on Budget Announcements 2021-22: Galvanising Efforts for Atmanirbhar Bharat’ on effective implementation of the Union Budget provisions in the defence sector in New Delhi . The Prime Minister said, the webinar assumes great significance as it is focusing on the important issue of making the country’s defence sector self-reliant.

The Prime Minister said that his government has relied on the capabilities of our engineers and scientists on developing the Tejas fighter aircraft and today Tejas is flying gracefully in the skies. A few weeks back, an order worth Rs. 48,000 crore was placed for Tejas.

The Prime Minister added that India has made a list of 101 important items related to defence, which can be manufactured indigenously with the help of our local industries. He said, a timeline has been set so that the domestic industry can plan to meet these requirements.

The Prime Minister said it is called a negative list in the official language but it is a positive list in the language of self-reliance. This is the positive list on which the country’s manufacturing capacity is going to increase, that will generate employment and will reduce India’s dependence on foreign countries for our defence needs.

In his opening remarks, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh hailed Union Budget as a healthy mix of promise, potential and progress. He stressed that forward-looking agenda of the Budget will provide support to the defence and security of the country.

Shri Rajnath Singh said, “The Budget focuses on accelerating economic growth and creating job opportunities to reverse the adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ at the core.”

The Raksha Mantri stated that the vision of self-reliant India of the Government defined the approach towards the defence sector in this year’s Budget. The Defence Budget has seen an unprecedented increase of 18.75 per cent in capital outlay over and above last financial year (FY) and 30 per cent the year before, which is the highest in the last one and a half decade.

Shri Rajnath Singh termed threat perceptions, aspirations, capacity & capability development initiatives and technological advancements as major factors that drive procurement decisions in defence. He underlined the close cooperation between the Armed Forces and manufacturers to reduce the gap between the aspirations of the Armed Forces and actual delivery by the manufacturers.

The Raksha Mantri stated that ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ is the only mantra to stay abreast with latest technological advancements and remain frugal at the same time. Emphasising that the defence industry can only thrive by going global, he said, the Government is actively promoting not only domestic manufacturing but also an export-oriented defence industry.

“The most important factor that is going to drive the domestic industry is ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” Raksha Mantri underlined, saying that the Government is willing to deal with higher initial costs to build the defence industry for the future. He added that the focus of the Government is on ‘Ease of Doing Business’ to encourage foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to set up manufacturing units in India, develop Joint Ventures with domestic defence sector.

Shri Rajnath Singh listed out number of initiatives taken by the Government to promote domestic defence manufacturing. He shed light on the plans to spend $130 billion on military modernisation in the next five years, mentioning about the recent order of 83 indigenously designed and developed Light Combat Aircraft MK 1A, Tejas, worth Rs 48,000 crore, awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) during the recently held Aero India 2021. He added that the contract for indigenously designed Light Combat Helicopter is likely to be signed soon.

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Shri Pokhriyal highlighted that the Budget allocation for the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), has been substantially increased from Rs. 175 Cr to Rs. 500 Cr in next FY 2021-22 for providing post-education apprenticeship, training of graduates and diploma holders in Engineering.He also said that an outlay of Rs. 50,000 Cr over next 5 years for National Research Foundation (NRF) will give a major boost to Innovation and R&D.

The Minister said in a big boost to education sector allocation of KVS has increased by Rs 362.32 crore and allocation of NVS increased to Rs. 320 crore w.r.t. RE 2020-21. The budget allocation of NCERT increased to Rs.110.08 crore from RE 2020-21.

Highlights of Budget 2021-22 –Department of Higher Education

1.   In this FY 2020-21, the BE was Rs. 39466.52 Cr, which has been rationalised to  Rs. 32900 Cr, due to Covid-19. BE for the next year 2021-22 has been kept at  Rs.  38350.65 Cr, which is more than 5450.65 Cr more than the current year RE.

2.   Out of the Total BE of Rs. 38350.65 Cr, Provisions for Establishment, Autonomous Bodies(ABs), and Schemes are as below:

(i)Establishment: Rs. 247.44 Cr

(ii)Autonomous Bodies(ABs): 29023.78 Cr

(iii)       Schemes Total: Rs. 9069.43 Cr

(a)Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Rs. 3000 Cr [RUSA]

(b)Central Sector Schemes: Rs. 6069.43 Cr

3.   In our flagship scheme RashtriyaUchchatarShikshaAbhiyan (RUSA), a budget provision of Rs. 3000 Cr has been kept for the next FY 2021-22, in comparison to   Rs. 300 Cr in current year.

4.   Budget allocation for the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), has been substantially increased from Rs. 175 Cr to Rs. 500 Cr in next FY 2021-22 for providing post-education apprenticeship, training of graduates and diploma holders in Engineering.

5.   Some New Initiatives like- Opening of BhartiyaBhasa University & Institute of Translation, Indian Knowledge System, Academic Bank of Credit, PM e-Vidya, Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) shall be implemented in line with the NEP recommendations, after approval of the competent authority. At present a Token Provision has been kept in the BE of FY 2021-22 for all the above initiatives.

Budget Announcements:

1.   Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) -an Umbrella Body, which will have 4 verticals- Accreditation, Standard Setting, Regulation, and Funding. Legislation for HECI will be introduced this year.

2.   In 9 cities where there are number of institutions supported by the GoI (like- Hyderabad etc.) we will create a formal umbrella structure– for better synergy, while retaining their internal autonomy.

3.   A new Central University(CU) will be set up in Leh.

4.   We will realign the existing scheme of National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) for providing post-education apprenticeship, training of graduates and diploma holders in Engineering. Over Rs. 3,000 crores will be provided for this in next 5 years.

5.   For promotion of Innovation and R&D, an outlay of Rs. 50,000 Cr over next 5 years has been kept for National Research Foundation (NRF). Its major beneficiaries will be Higher Education Institutions including CFTIs like- IITs/IISc/IISERs/NITs etc.

Highlights of Budget 2021-22 – Department of School Education & Literacy

1.        Budget allocation for BE 2020-21 was Rs 59845 crore which was rationalized to Rs 52189.07 crore in RE 2020-21 post covid-19 situation. This has now increased to Rs 54873 crore in BE2021-22.

2.        There has been an overall increase of Rs. 2684.59 crore (5.14%) in Budget allocation of Department of School Education & Literacy in BE 2021-22 from RE 2020-21.

3.        The overall Budget allocation in BE 2021-22 is Rs. 54873.66 crore out of which scheme allocation is 43648.66 crore and non-scheme allocation is Rs. 11225.00 crore. The scheme allocation has been increased by Rs 1895.08 crore and non-scheme allocation by Rs. 789.51 crore as compared to RE 2020-21.

4.        Budget allocation in the Flagship scheme of SamagraShikhsa has been increased to Rs. 31050.16 crore in BE 2021-22 from Rs. 27957.32 crore in RE 2020-21 by Rs. 3092.84 crore i.e. increased by 11.06% in comparison to RE 2020-21).

5.        The budget allocation in PadhnaLikhnaAbhiyan (PLA) is also increased from Rs. 95.25 crore (RE 2020-21) to Rs. 250 crore in BE 2021-22 (an increase of Rs. 154.75 crore) i.e. by 162.47%.

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after budget presentation pm in his remark said Today’s Budget contains a vision of self-reliance as well as inclusiveness for every individual and class.The budget has principles of new opportunities for growth, expansion of new opportunities, creation of new opportunities for the youth, a new dimension to human resources, development of new areas for infrastructure, move towards modernity and introduce new reforms.

he said This budget emphasizes on improving the ‘ease of living’ in the lives of the common people by simplifying rules and procedures. This budget will bring several positive changes for individuals, investors, industry and the infrastructure sector. I congratulate the country’s Finance Minister Nirmala ji, her colleague Anurag ji, and their team for this.

This was also one of the rare Budget speeches that elicited so many positive reactions from experts within 1-2 hours. Many experts were assuming that the government would increase the burden on ordinary citizens in the wake of Corona, but keeping in view its obligations towards fiscal stability, the Government stressed on increasing the budget size.Our government has made constant efforts that the budget should be transparent. I am happy that several experts have appreciated transparency in this budget.

This budget has given special emphasis on equality of health, sanitation, nutrition, pure water and opportunities to make the lives of the common man and women of the country easier. The budget has made a number of systemic reforms along with unprecedented increase in infrastructure spending, which will greatly benefit growth and job creation in the country. Special emphasis has been given to strengthen the agriculture sector in the country, to increase the income of the farmers, and, therefore,a number of provisions have been made in the budget. In the agriculture sector, farmers will be able to get more credit easily. A provision has been made to help and empower the mandisor the APMCs of the country through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. All these decisions show that villagesand our farmers are at the heart of this Budget. This time the MSME sector budget has also been more than doubled as compared to the previous year to boost the MSME sector and to increase employment opportunities.

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The key highlights of the Union Budget 2021-22 are as follows:

6 pillars of the Union Budget 2021-22:

1. Health and Wellbeing
2. Physical & Financial Capital, and Infrastructure
3. Inclusive Development for Aspirational India
4. Reinvigorating Human Capital
5. Innovation and R&D
6. Minimum Government and Maximum Governance

1. Health and Wellbeing

• Rs. 2,23,846 crore outlay for Health and Wellbeing in BE 2021-22 as against Rs. 94,452 crore in BE 2020-21 – an increase of 137%
• Focus on strengthening three areas: Preventive, Curative, and Wellbeing
• Steps being taken for improving health and wellbeing:

5. Vaccines

• Rs. 35,000 crore for COVID-19 vaccine in BE 2021-22
• The Made-in-India Pneumococcal Vaccine to be rolled out across the country, from present 5 states – to avert 50,000 child deaths annually

5. Health Systems

• Rs. 64,180 crore outlay over 6 years for PM AatmaNirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana – a new centrally sponsored scheme to be launched, in addition to NHM
• Main interventions under PM AatmaNirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana:

• National Institution for One Health
• 17,788 rural and 11,024 urban Health and Wellness Centers
• 4 regional National Institutes for Virology
• 15 Health Emergency Operation Centers and 2 mobile hospitals
• Integrated public health labs in all districts and 3382 block public health units in 11 states
• Critical care hospital blocks in 602 districts and 12 central institutions
• Strengthening of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), its 5 regional branches and 20 metropolitan health surveillance units
• Expansion of the Integrated Health Information Portal to all States/UTs to connect all public health labs
• 17 new Public Health Units and strengthening of 33 existing Public Health Units
• Regional Research Platform for WHO South-East Asia Region
• 9 Bio-Safety Level III laboratories

5. Nutrition

• Mission Poshan 2.0 to be launched:

• To strengthen nutritional content, delivery, outreach, and outcome
• Merging the Supplementary Nutrition Programme and the Poshan Abhiyan
• Intensified strategy to be adopted to improve nutritional outcomes across 112 Aspirational Districts

5. Universal Coverage of Water Supply

• Rs. 2,87,000 crore over 5 years for Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) – to be launched with an aim to provide:

• 2.86 crore household tap connections
• Universal water supply in all 4,378 Urban Local Bodies
• Liquid waste management in 500 AMRUT cities

5. Swachch Bharat, Swasth Bharat

• Rs. 1,41,678 crore over 5 years for Urban Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
• Main interventions under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0:

• Complete faecal sludge management and waste water treatment
• Source segregation of garbage
• Reduction in single-use plastic
• Reduction in air pollution by effectively managing waste from construction-and-demolition activities
• Bio-remediation of all legacy dump sites

5. Clean Air

• Rs. 2,217 crore to tackle air pollution, for 42 urban centers with a million-plus population

5. Scrapping Policy

• Voluntary vehicle scrapping policy to phase out old and unfit vehicles
• Fitness tests in automated fitness centres:

• After 20 years in case of personal vehicles
• After 15 years in case of commercial vehicles

2. Physical and Financial Capital and Infrastructure

5. Production Linked Incentive scheme (PLI)

• Rs. 1.97 lakh crore in next 5 years for PLI schemes in 13 Sectors
• To create and nurture manufacturing global champions for an AatmaNirbhar Bharat
• To help manufacturing companies become an integral part of global supply chains, possess core competence and cutting-edge technology
• To bring scale and size in key sectors
• To provide jobs to the youth

5. Textiles

• Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) scheme, in addition to PLI:

• 7 Textile Parks to be established over 3 years

• Textile industry to become globally competitive, attract large investments and boost employment generation & exports

5. Infrastructure

• National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) expanded to 7,400 projects:

• Around 217 projects worth Rs. 1.10 lakh crore completed

• Measures in three thrust areas to increase funding for NIP:

1. Creation of  institutional structures
2. Big thrust on monetizing assets
3. Enhancing the share of capital expenditure

1. Creation of  institutional structures: Infrastructure Financing

• Rs. 20,000 crore to set up and capitalise a Development Financial Institution(DFI) – to act as a provider, enabler and catalyst for infrastructure financing
• Rs. 5 lakh crore lending portfolio to be created under the proposed DFI in 3 years
• Debt Financing by Foreign Portfolio Investors to be enabled by amending InvITs’ and REITs’ legislations

2. Big thrust on monetizing assets

• National Monetization Pipeline to be launched
• Important asset monetization measures:

1. 5 operational toll roads worth Rs. 5,000 crore being transferred to the NHAIInvIT
2. Transmission assets worth Rs. 7,000 crore to be transferred to the PGCILInvIT
3. Dedicated Freight Corridor assets to be monetized by Railways, for operations and maintenance, after commissioning
4. Next lot of Airports to be monetized for operations and management concession
5. Other core infrastructure assets to be rolled out under the Asset Monetization Programme:
   • Oil and Gas Pipelines of GAIL, IOCL and HPCL
   • AAI Airports in Tier II and III cities
   • Other Railway Infrastructure Assets
   • Warehousing Assets of CPSEs such as Central Warehousing Corporation and NAFED
   • Sports Stadiums

3. Sharp Increase in Capital Budget

• Rs. 5.54 lakh crore capital expenditure in BE 2021-22 – sharp increase of 34.5% over Rs. 4.12 lakh crore allocated in BE 2020-21 :

• Over Rs. 2 lakh crore to States and Autonomous Bodies for their Capital Expenditure.
• Over Rs. 44,000 crore for the Department of Economic Affairs to provide for projects/programmes/departments exhibiting good progress on Capital Expenditure

5. Roads and Highways Infrastructure

• Rs. 1,18,101 lakh crore, highest ever outlay, for Ministry of Road Transport and Highways – of which Rs. 1,08,230 crore is for capital
• Under the Rs. 5.35 lakh crore Bharatmala Pariyojana, more than 13,000 km length of roads worth Rs. 3.3 lakh crore awarded for construction:

• 3,800 km have already been constructed
• Another 8,500 km to be awarded for construction by March 2022
• Additional 11,000 km of national highway corridors to be completed by March 2022

• Economic corridors being planned:

• Rs. 1.03 lakh crore outlay for 3,500 km of NHs in Tamil Nadu
• Rs. 65,000 crore investment for 1,100 km of NHs in Kerala
• Rs. 25,000 crore for 675 km of NHs in West Bengal
• Over Rs. 34,000 crore to be allocated for 1300 km of NHs to be undertaken in next 3 years in Assam, in addition to Rs. 19,000 crore works of NHs currently in progress in the State

• Flagship Corridors/Expressways:

• Delhi-Mumbai Expressway – Remaining 260 km to be awarded before 31.3.2021
• Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway – 278 km to be initiated in the current FY; construction to begin in 2021-22
• Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway – 63 km expressway providing an alternate route to NH 27 to be initiated in 2021-22
• Delhi-Dehradun economic corridor – 210 km to be initiated in the current FY; construction to begin in 2021-22
• Raipur-Vishakhapatnam – 464 km passing through Chhattisgarh, Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh, to be awarded in the current year; construction to start in 2021-22
• Chennai-Salem corridor – 277 km expressway to be awarded and construction to start in 2021-22
• Amritsar-Jamnagar – Construction to commence in 2021-22
• Delhi-Katra – Construction will commence in 2021-22

• Advanced Traffic management system in all new 4 and 6-lane highways:

• Speed radars
• Variable message signboards
• GPS enabled recovery vans will be installed

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This approval is in addition to the existing scheme for the wage months of March to May, 2020 approved on 15.04.2020.  The total estimated expenditure is of Rs.4,860 crore.  Over 72 lakh employees in 3.67 lakh establishments will be benefitted.
Salient Features:
The salient features of the proposal are as under:

For the wage months of June, July and August, 2020, the scheme will cover all the establishments having upto 100 employees and 90% of such employees earning less than Rs. 15,000 monthly wage.

About 72.22 lakh workers working in 3.67 lakh establishments will be benefited and would likely to continue on their payrolls despite disruptions.

Government will provide Budgetary Support of Rs.4800 crore for the year 2020-21 for this purpose.

The beneficiaries entitled for 12% employers’ contribution for the months of June to August, 2020 under Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) will be excluded to prevent overlapping benefit.

Due to prolonged lockdown, it was felt that businesses continue to face financial crisis as they get back to work. Therefore, the Hon’ble FM, as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, announced on 13.5.2020 that the EPF support for business and workers will be extended by another 3 months viz. for the wage months of June, July, and August, 2020.

The steps taken by the Government from time to time to ameliorate the hardships faced by the low paid workers are well accepted by the stakeholders.

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A significant portion of this is establishment expense, which includes salaries and pensions, has been allocated Rs 10,920 crore.

This year’s focus has been on infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Coastal Road and the Gargai dam.

The former is a 29-km freeway to be constructed along the city’s western coastline as a south-north corridor spanning Marine Drive in south Mumbai to Kandivli in the north.

The project has been given Rs 2,000 crore for the year, as against a total estimate of Rs 12,000 crore. The road is expected to be complete by the mid-2020s.

The second big project for the year (Rs 503.51 crore) is likely to be Gargai dam, designed to enhance the city’s water supply by up to 440 million litres a day. At present, Mumbai’s daily requirement is at 3,900 million litres a day, but its sources — seven lakes in and around the city — provide only 3,100 million litres a day, leading to a shortfall.

Two major heads that the BMC spends significantly on every year is primary education and health.

This year’s budgetary allocation for education is Rs 2,944.59 crore; for health, it is Rs 4260.34 crore. The budgetary allocation for the ambitious Coastal Road project, which is planned to be completed in four years, has been increased by 25 percent from Rs 1,600 crore to Rs 2,000 crore. The total project cost of the project stands at Rs 12,721 crore.

As per the Budget document, the BMC revenue from property tax has gone down by Rs 335 crore due to exemption of flats having carpet area up to 500 sq ft from the purview of the tax.

The BMC has allocated Rs 300 crore for the Goregaon-Mulund link road project that is expected to make people’s journey between Eastern and Western suburbs seamless.

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The first such survey was conducted in rural parts of the country during National Sample Survey (NSS) 59th round (January 2003- December 2003). Thereafter, a repeat survey was conducted during NSS 70th round (January 2013- December 2013). As per the Survey results, which although not strictly comparable, the average monthly income per agricultural household from various sources is estimated to have increased from Rs. 2115 in 2003 to Rs. 6426 in 2013.

The Survey report has not mentioned the reasons for low level of income of agricultural households in the country. However, predominance of small and marginal operational holdings, low irrigation coverage, poor soil health, inadequate marketing facilities and post-harvest supporting services, and lack of focus on the allied sectors of agriculture, etc., may be attributed as main reasons for low level of growth of income of people engaged in the agriculture sector.

Growth rate of Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture and allied sector is directly and indirectly affected by various factors, including changes in income of agricultural households. With a view to make agriculture more remunerative, various Schemes are implemented by the Government, viz., Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY); Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme; National Agriculture Market Scheme (e-NAM); Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY); National Food Security Mission (NFSM); Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA); Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH); and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Besides, Government has adopted the principle of fixing Minimum Support Price (MSP) at a level of 50 per cent over the all-India weighted average cost of production of crops.

Moreover, with a view to provide income support to all farmers’ families across the country, the Central Government has started a new Central Sector Scheme, namely, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). The Scheme aims to provide a payment of Rs. 6000/- per year, in three installments of Rs. 2000/- each to the farmer families, subject to certain exclusions relating to higher income groups.

Government has also focused on the aggregation of small and marginal farmers into groups for overcoming market imperfections and to realize better prices for their produce.

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