(All image credit: ANI)
Significant allocations include Rs 26,000 crore for highways and infrastructure projects in Bihar, along with Rs 15,000 crore for Andhra Pradesh to support initiatives like the Pollavaram irrigation project.
Over Rs 3 lakh crore allocated for schemes benefiting women and girls, focusing on increasing workforce participation, establishing hostels, and creating women-specific skilling programs.
An additional Rs 26,000 crore allocated for road connectivity projects nationwide.
Nirmala Sitharaman introduces a PM Package comprising five schemes aimed at boosting employment and skilling, with a substantial allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore, including Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling initiatives.
Finance Minister announces changes in the new tax regime, proposing an increase in standard deduction to Rs 75,000 from Rs 50,000.
Long-term capital gains on all financial and non-financial assets will now attract a tax rate of 12.5%, up from the previous 10%.
Rs 1.52 lakh crore allocated to the agricultural sector to enhance productivity and resilience. Additionally, Rs 2.66 lakh crore earmarked for rural development initiatives.
Mudra loans limit increased to Rs 20 lakh for previous borrowers. Financial support for higher education loans up to Rs 10 lakh, along with e-vouchers for students and a 3% interest subvention.
Further simplification of rules and recognition for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) to facilitate easier inflow.
Financial support for loans up to Rs 10 lakh for higher education will be provided with the government issuing e-vouchers directly to 1 lakh students annually, including a 3 percent interest subvention.