Budget 2025 a game-changer for developed India, focuses on ‘GYAN’, says Tarun Chugh in Mandi

MANDI: BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh said on Monday (March 3m 2025) that the Budget 2025 was a game-changer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s well-defined roadmap toward “Developed India”, focusing on ‘GYAN’ – ‘Gareeb’ (poor), ‘yuva’ (youth), ‘annadata’ (farmers) and ‘nari’ (women).

He emphasised that the budget was inclusive, visionary and committed to economic empowerment.
Addressing the media at a hotel here, Chugh highlighted that the budget laid the foundation for social welfare, economic expansion and technological advancement while ensuring growth for every section of society.

Chugh underlined the Modi government’s following initiatives towards eradicating poverty and uplifting the weaker sections:
• 80 crore people to receive free foodgrain under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana.
• 7 crore houses provided to the poor, fulfilling a long-pending demand.
• 55 crore people covered under Ayushman Bharat Scheme with ₹5 lakh medical insurance.
• Himachal Pradesh becomes the first state to introduce top-up health insurance for senior citizens.
• Swachh Bharat, Clean Drinking Water, Ujjwala Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission benefiting 14 crore people.
• A significant percentage of people have risen above the poverty line, marking a strong step toward poverty eradication.

Focusing on the youth and future workforce, Chugh pointed out the government’s initiatives to strengthen education, skill development, and job creation:
• 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs set up for technological advancements.
• 5 international skill centers to enhance global employment opportunities.
• 500 additional IIT seats, ensuring better access to higher education.
• ₹500 crore allocation for AI research, making India a leader in Artificial Intelligence.
• ₹10,000 crore startup fund, boosting entrepreneurship.
• MSME sector credit limit doubled, facilitating small businesses and industries.
• Development of 50 major tourism destinations, creating new jobs.
• E-Shram portal integration, ensuring better opportunities for unorganized workers.

Highlighting the importance of the agriculture sector, Chugh said that the government had taken major steps to support farmers and enhance productivity:
• 10 crore farmers receiving direct PM Kisan Samman Nidhi benefits, with the 19th installment disbursed.
• Self-sufficiency in pulses production, reducing dependence on imports.
• Establishment of a Makhana Board to promote the sector.
• New Agricultural Universities to drive research and modern farming techniques.
• ₹5 lakh credit limit under Kisan Credit Card, providing financial security to farmers.
• Boost to cotton production, supporting the textile industry and rural employment.

Women’s empowerment (Nari): Strengthening economic & social rights

With a strong emphasis on women-led growth, Chugh highlighted various initiatives for female empowerment:
• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and Beti Badhao for girls’ education and welfare.
• Maternity benefits and improved healthcare services under Matrutva Yojana.
• 33% reservation for women in Parliament, ensuring greater representation.
• ₹2 crore loans for 5 lakh SC/ST women entrepreneurs, supporting financial independence.
• Increased funding for women-led startups, boosting participation in business and innovation.
• Anganwadi support enhanced, ensuring child and maternal care.

India’s economic strength: Fastest-growing global power

Emphasising India’s rapid economic progress, Chugh said the country has become the world’s 5th largest economy. Despite global financial instability, India has remained resilient, maintaining steady growth. Key highlights include:
• ₹1 lakh crore infrastructure allocation for urban and rural development.
• Expansion of the UDAN scheme, making air travel affordable and accessible.
• Zojila-Leh connectivity projects, strengthening road and rail networks.
• Increased foreign investment, boosting economic confidence.
• 75,000 new doctors, 200 new cancer centers, and 36 additional essential medicines under Ayushman Bharat.
• Export incentives and MSME support, promoting Indian businesses in global markets.

Munish Sood