Interim Budget 2024: Here are 10 key announcements for common man

The government plans to boost infrastructure spending by 11% in the upcoming fiscal year while also keeping the fiscal deficit in check, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined in her Budget 2024 speech. She outlined initiatives for the next five years, including increased housing, expanded access to free electricity, and enhanced medical care, especially for women. Buoyed by rising tax revenue, the government aims to manage spending while reducing the budget deficit to 5.1% in the next financial year, down from the projected 5.8% for the current fiscal year ending in March. In the interim budget, preceding a new administration, Sitharaman allocated Rs 11.1 lakh crore to capital spending, a notable 11.1% increase from the previous year. Sitharaman pledged support for key sectors targeted by Modi, such as farmers, youth, women, and the impoverished, as the country looks towards 'unprecedented development' in the next five years.

Here are some key announcements in Budget 2024

• The government will launching the "Housing for Middle Class" scheme to encourage middle-class individuals to purchase or construct their own homes.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) nearing its target of 3 crore houses, with an additional goal of 2 crore houses set for the next five years.
• Accelerate Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programs to enhance nutrition delivery, early childhood care, and development.
• Promotion of cervical cancer vaccination for girls aged 9-14.
• Extending health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include all ASHA, Anganwadi workers, and helpers.
• Withdrawal of outstanding direct tax demand, with limits set at up to Rs 25,000 for issues up to FY10 and up to ₹10,000 for FY11-FY15, benefiting around 1 crore taxpayers.
• Enabling 1 crore households for rooftop solarization, providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month.
• Fast-tracking Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 for improved nutrition delivery and early childhood care and development.
• Expanding existing airports and undertaking comprehensive development of new airports under the UDAN scheme.
• Implementation of three major railway corridor programs under PM Gati Shakti to enhance logistics efficiency and reduce costs