Budget 2024 LIVE UPDATES: In a significant announcement during the Budget 2024-25 presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed the government's plans to introduce a National Cooperation Policy aimed at fostering the country's overall development. The new policy will prioritize the advancement of digital infrastructure for agriculture, with a particular focus on collaborations between the Centre and state governments. Additionally, the Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Card scheme will be rolled out in five states to support farmers.

 Finance Minister Unveils Major Budget Updates: MUDRA Loan Limit Doubled and New Internship Program Announced

The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also  introduced key changes in the Budget for 2024-25, including a major boost to the MUDRA scheme. The loan limit under this scheme will be increased to Rs20 lakh, doubling the previous amount.

In addition, the government will roll out a new internship program designed to provide opportunities for 1 crore young people at the top 500 companies in the country over the next five years. To further drive economic growth, the Centre will also focus on developing investment-ready industrial parks in 100 cities across India.

Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted that the Modi 3.0 government will allocate Rs. 3 lakh crore specifically for initiatives benefiting women and girls. This substantial investment is part of the broader strategy to enhance various aspects of women's lives, including their economic empowerment and professional growth.

Key elements of the budget include strengthening the production, storage, and marketing of pulses, and promoting rapid development in rural areas to create more job opportunities. Furthermore, the government plans to support shrimp farming and its marketing to boost the sector's growth.

Sitharaman emphasized the importance of women's involvement in the workforce, noting that the government's focus is on increasing female labor force participation, which reached 24% in Q2 FY24. As part of this effort, the government will introduce targeted skilling programs for women and establish hostels and creches to support working women in balancing their professional and personal lives.

Overall, the Budget 2024-25 reflects a strong commitment to advancing women's rights and opportunities while also driving growth in agriculture and rural development.

Read More:

Union Budget LIVE: Finance Minister Outlines Nine Key Priorities for Economic Growth

BUDGET LIVE: Govt Unveils Major Initiatives to Boost Education, Employment, and Agriculture

Union Budget 2024: Will FM Sitharaman Increase Income Tax Rebate to Rs 7.5 Lakh?