Budget 2014: Total sanitation for every household by 2019, says Arun Jaitley

NEW DELHI: Moving towards NDA government's 'Swachh Bharat Abhiya', Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his maiden budget speech said, "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the need for sanitation is of utmost importance."

"Although the central government is providing resources within its mean, the task of total sanitation cannot be achieved without the support of all," Jaitley said. "The government intends to cover every household by total sanitation by the year 2019," Jaitley said.

"We want to celebrate the 150th year of the birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi through the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan," Jaitley said.

Moving ahead on the NDA government's stated mission of electricity for all, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his maiden budget speech said, "We are committed to provide 24 by 7 power to all households."

Giving direction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building multiple smart cities in India, Jaitley said the government will aim to spend Rs 7060 crore for 100 smart cities.

Looking to harness the demographic dividend, Jaitley said that government will work on skill development of youth. "The skill development programme for the youth will encompass multiple areas such as carpentry etc," Jaitley said.

Looking to pull the economy from its dire straits, Jaitley said, "We are aiming for a 7-8% GDP growth in 3-4 years."

"The steps I will announce are only a beginning towards 7-8% growth to be achieved in the next few years," Jaitley said. "We look forward to lower levels of inflation. The country is in no mood to suffer from unemployment. Continuing slowdown has posed threat to global economy. There are green shoots of global growth that are emerging," Jaitley said. Jaitley began his speech by saying, "The people of India have voted for a change. India unhesitatingly desires to grow."

According to Jaitley, the Budget 2014 is only a step in the direction of economic recovery. Jaitley said, "We shall leave no stone unturned in creating a vibrant India."