Bollywood actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kangana Ranaut praised the 2024 Union Budget on Tuesday, calling it "wholesome." Presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the budget includes support for flood relief in Himachal Pradesh, where Ranaut represents the Mandi constituency.
Ranaut expressed her satisfaction with the budget, stating, "We are very happy with the budget." She also shared her excitement on Instagram, posting a picture with BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Ravi Kishan, captioning it, "Wholesome budget Parliament budget session."
In her speech to the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman addressed the severe flood damage in Himachal Pradesh last year. "Our government will provide assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation through multilateral development assistance," she said.
Sitharaman emphasized the government's commitment to employment, skill development, MSMEs, and the middle class. She introduced a comprehensive package designed to create job and skill-building opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over the next five years, with a central outlay of Rs two lakh crore.
"This year, I have allocated Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling," Sitharaman announced. She outlined three new 'Employment Linked Incentive' schemes under the Prime Minister's package, focusing on EPFO enrolment and support for both employees and employers.
Scheme A: Provides a one-month wage to new formal sector workers, benefiting 210 lakh youth.
Scheme B: Encourages manufacturing job creation, aiding 30 lakh new employees and their employers.
Scheme C: Offers EPFO contribution reimbursements to employers for two years, potentially creating 50 lakh jobs.
To boost women's participation in the workforce, Sitharaman announced the establishment of working women's hostels, creches, and women-specific skilling programs. A new centrally-sponsored scheme aims to skill 20 lakh youth over five years, with updated courses aligned to industry needs.
The Model Skill Loan Scheme will be revised to provide government-backed loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh, benefiting 25,000 students annually. Additionally, a financial aid scheme offering Rs 10 lakh loans for higher education with a 3% annual interest subvention will benefit 1 lakh students each year.
The final scheme in the Prime Minister's package will offer internship opportunities in 500 leading companies for one crore youth over five years. Participants will receive Rs 5,000 monthly allowances and Rs 6,000 one-time assistance, with companies covering training costs under their CSR budgets.
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