Presenting the Union Budget for 2023-24 in the Lok Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed confidence that the Indian economy is “on the right track and moving towards a bright future”. The Finance Minister also highlighted the seven priorities of this year’s budget and termed them as Saptarishis to guide us through ‘Amrit Kaal’.
Budget 2023: 7 priorities – Saptarishi
The Finance Minister said that the budget is adopting 7 priorities which will guide us through the ‘Amrit Kaal’. The priorities adopted in the Budget 2023 are as follows:
1. Inclusive Growth
2. Reaching the Last Mile
3. Infrastructure and Investment
4. Unleash Potential
5. Green Development
6. Youth power
7. Finance sector
In her opening remarks, Sitharaman said, “We envision a prosperous and inclusive India.” Sitharaman began her budget speech at 11 am, which is the last full budget of the second term of the Modi government. Like the previous two Union Budgets, the Union Budget 2023-24 has also been presented in a paperless manner. This year’s budget assumes significance as the next Lok Sabha elections in the country are to be held in April-May 2024. As per established tradition, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Ministers of State Pankaj Chowdhary and Bhagwat Karad and Finance Secretary TV Somanathan. President Draupadi Murmu. The budget session of Parliament began on Tuesday (January 31) with the President’s address, followed by the presentation of the Economic Survey for 2022-23. The formal exercise of preparing the annual budget for the next financial year (2023-24) began on October 10. The Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Tuesday said India’s GDP is expected to grow in the range of 6 to 6.8. percent in the coming financial year 2023-24. This compares to an estimated 7 per cent this fiscal and 8.7 per cent in 2021-22.
Budget 2023: What is the mention of Amrit Kaal by Nirmala Sitharaman
It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who first used the term ‘Amrit Kaal’ during the 75th Independence Day celebrations in 2021. Unveiling a new roadmap for India for the next 25 years, PM Modi had then said that the ‘Amrit Kaal’ would bridge the development gap between villages and cities, thereby improving the lives of Indian citizens. It is also a time, as outlined, when government interference in people’s lives will be less and the people of this country will welcome the latest technology.