BJP State President and Khajuraho MP Vishnu Dutt Sharma, while reacting to the Union Budget in New Delhi on Saturday, termed it as historic and beneficial for the common people. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented a budget that fulfills the aspirations of a developed India. This budget will shape new dimensions for the country’s economy.
Sharma emphasized that the budget includes provisions to empower the poor, youth, farmers, and women. It has introduced several measures for education, including an increase of 75,000 seats in medical education and IITs. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Yojana has been announced for farmers, benefiting 100 districts and 1.70 crore people. The budget has also provided major relief to the middle class by making incomes up to Rs 12 lakh tax-free, which Sharma described as a historic decision.
Welcoming the budget, Sharma expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Empowering the Middle Class
BJP State President Vishnu Dutt Sharma highlighted that the focus of the new Union Budget is on accelerating development, ensuring inclusive growth, encouraging private sector investment, increasing domestic spending, and strengthening the purchasing power of the emerging middle class.
The tax exemption limit has been raised to Rs 12 lakh, and taxpayers will now have the option to file income tax returns for up to four years together if needed. Additionally, for senior citizens, the TDS exemption limit has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
A Welfare-Oriented Budget for Farmers and Agriculture
Sharma stated that, apart from implementing the PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana, the budget has raised the limit of the Kisan Credit Card from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Loans up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided for dairy farming and fisheries. Customs duty on marine products has been reduced from 30% to 5%.
The budget also proposes the formation of a Makhana Board in Bihar to assist farmers and the launch of the Western Kosi Canal Project in Mithilanchal, benefiting 50,000 hectares of farmland.
To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses, the Central Government will launch a six-year mission, along with another mission to promote fiber-rich cotton production. Furthermore, a new urea plant in Namrup, Assam, has been proposed to ensure adequate fertilizer supply for farmers.
More Opportunities for the Youth
Highlighting the youth-centric measures, Sharma mentioned that the budget boosts the MSME sector, which employs the largest number of youth. The loan guarantee cover has been increased from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore, while the startup loan limit has been doubled from Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore with reduced guarantee fees. A special "Make in India" initiative will be introduced for the toy industry. The government will develop infrastructure in IITs and expand IIT Patna.
