Gujarat CM Lauds Union Budget 2024-25 as Visionary Blueprint for Viksit Bharat

Gandhinagar : Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has hailed the Union Budget 2024-25 as a visionary and inclusive blueprint for Viksit Bharat, meticulously prepared under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, this third consecutive budget is seen as a reflection of the profound trust placed in the PM’s leadership.

Patel emphasized the PM’s holistic development strategy, GYAN, focusing on uplifting the poor, youth, farmers, and women. He highlighted the budget’s robust emphasis on employment, skill development, MSMEs, and the middle class, while also prioritizing energy security and agricultural advancements, including natural farming.

As India approaches its centenary of independence, Patel noted the budget’s focus on empowering the youth with ambitious plans to position them as a global force by 2047. Five new schemes targeting 4.1 crore youth, backed by a substantial allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore, aim to propel the youth towards new horizons in employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Patel affirmed that the budget significantly advances the nine priorities established by PM Modi for achieving Viksit Bharat. These priorities encompass key areas such as agricultural productivity and support, employment and skills development, inclusive human resource development, manufacturing and services, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation, research and development, and next-generation facilities.

The CM welcomed the goal of enrolling 1 crore farmers in natural farming over the next five years, which will greatly benefit Gujarat’s natural farmers and fulfill the PM’s vision for boosting natural farming. He also praised the National Cooperation Policy, which will fast-track the rural economy and promote the mantra of ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ across the nation.

Patel highlighted three Employment Linked Incentive schemes with EPFO for employment and training, aimed at stimulating job creation in the manufacturing sector. These schemes will expand employment opportunities for youth and young entrepreneurs in Gujarat. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of establishing Working Women Hostels in partnership with industrial units to enhance the efficiency of Gujarat’s female workforce.

The CM also commended the Central Government’s plan to launch a comprehensive skilling program in collaboration with the state government and industry, aimed at training 20 lakh youth over the next five years. He noted that upgrading 1,000 industry training institutes will generate new opportunities for upskilling Gujarat’s youth.

Under the PM Awas Yojana, plans to build 3 crore new homes nationwide will offer crores of poor families their own houses. Patel also expressed strong support for the PM Janajatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, which will benefit over 5 crore tribal people across 63,000 villages, including communities from Umargam to Ambaji in Gujarat.

Patel characterized the budget as a major boost for the state’s industries, especially the MSME sector, which is vital to Gujarat’s industrial growth. He welcomed the introduction of a new credit scheme for MSMEs in the manufacturing sector, along with the increase in Mudra loan limits and internship opportunities for youth.

Regarding the budget’s provision for developing 100 investment-ready industrial parks, the CM announced that 12 new industrial parks will be approved under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, benefiting Gujarat’s young entrepreneurs. He praised the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana – Roof Top Solar Plant scheme, which provides up to 300 units of free electricity to 1 crore households, with Gujarat leading in its implementation.

The CM also lauded the budget’s provisions for the middle class, including the increase in the standard deduction for salaried employees and pensioners, and the removal of the angel tax to foster growth for entrepreneurs and startups. He mentioned the reduction in import duties for gold, silver, and platinum, benefiting Gujarat’s gems and jewelry industry, and revitalizing the diamond cutting and polishing sector.