New Delhi, Feb 1: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday enhanced the total outlay for Jal Jeevan Mission to Rs 67,000 crore in her proposals for Budget 2025-26 and said that the Mission stands extended until 2028.

FM Sitharaman stated that 15 crore households representing 80 per cent of India’s rural population have benefitted from the Jal Jeevan Mission since 2019.

She added that access to potable tap water connections is provided under this Mission, and in the next three years, the target is to achieve 100 per cent coverage.

Jal Jeevan Mission’s focus will be on the quality of infrastructure and operation and maintenance of rural piped water supply schemes through “Jan Bhagidhari”.

Separate MoUs will be signed with states and UTs to ensure sustainability and citizen-centric water service delivery, she explained.

The Union Government has launched several flagship schemes aimed at fostering inclusive rural development, poverty alleviation, and improving the living conditions in rural areas.

These initiatives, implemented under the Ministry of Rural Development and other key departments, address critical areas such as employment generation, housing, infrastructure, skill development, and social welfare.

For instance, the vision of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is to enhance the livelihood security of rural households across the country by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

MGNREGA recognises the importance of strengthening the livelihood resource base of the poor by reaching the most vulnerable sections of rural areas, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women-headed households, and other marginalised groups.

Adopted in the Union Budget 2017-18, Mission Antyodaya is a convergence and accountability framework aiming to bring optimum use and management of resources allocated by 26 Ministries / Department of the Government of India under various programmes for the development of rural areas.

It is envisaged as a state-led initiative with Gram Panchayats as focal points of convergence efforts.

New Delhi, Feb 1: In a historic move, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her 8th consecutive Union Budget on Saturday, with a focus on driving growth through four key sectors: Agriculture, MSMEs, Investment, and Exports. In a major relief for taxpayers, Sitharaman announced that individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually will no longer have to pay income tax under the new regime. The middle class has hailed the decision as a step forward for financial relief and growth.

Talking to IANS, Manjusha Shrivastava, a fashion designer, expressed optimism, highlighting the benefits for the handicraft sector and its potential to create employment. She acknowledged that while women-specific announcements were limited, the overall growth strategy would benefit all, including women.

Subramanyam Harda, President of the Bangalore Hotel Association, emphasised the relief for middle-class earners, especially with the reduced tax slabs and benefits for the salaried class. Though inflation remains a concern, he believes the changes will ease the financial pressure on working families.

Businesswoman Vartika Shukla called the Rs 12 lakh tax exemption the best part of the budget, along with reduced taxes on life-saving medicines for critical illnesses. However, she voiced disappointment over the lack of substantial focus on women’s issues, despite initial expectations.

Vikas Kumar, another middle-class citizen, was overjoyed by the Rs 12 lakh exemption, calling it a “bumper deal” and a much-awaited relief. Though cautious about inflation, he expressed confidence that the extra savings would be a welcome boost for families.

Overall, the budget has sparked hope and excitement among the middle class, with many seeing it as a positive step towards financial freedom and economic growth.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced that there will be no income tax payable for incomes up to Rs 12 lakh annually, and Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried taxpayers (including standard deduction).

In the new tax regime, the revised tax rate structure is Rs 0-4 lakh (zero tax), Rs 4-8 lakh (5 per cent), Rs 8-12 lakh (10 per cent), Rs 12-16 lakh (15 per cent), Rs 16-20 lakh (20 per cent), Rs 20-24 lakh (25 per cent), and above Rs 24 lakh (30 per cent).

New Delhi, Feb 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the Union Budget 2025, calling it a “Janata Janardan Ka Budget” and emphasising its people-centric approach that will propel India’s development journey.

Sharing his thoughts on the Budget, PM Modi described it as a significant milestone in India’s growth trajectory.

“This is a budget for the aspirations of 140 crore Indians. It will fulfill the dreams of every citizen. We have opened up several sectors for the youth, and the common people will be at the heart of India’s mission to become a developed nation. This Budget is a force multiplier,” he said.

He further highlighted that the Budget would accelerate investment, consumption, and growth. “I congratulate Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team for presenting a people’s Budget — ‘Janata Janardan Ka Budget’,” he added.

The Prime Minister pointed out a fundamental shift in the approach of this Budget, stating that while most budgets focus on filling government coffers, this one is dedicated to ensuring more money in the hands of citizens.

“This Budget is focussed on how the pockets of the countrymen will be filled, how they would increase their savings, and how they would contribute towards the development of the country. This Budget lays a strong foundation for this,” he remarked.

Discussing key reforms introduced in the Budget, PM Modi termed the decision to include the private sector in nuclear energy as “historic.” He explained that this move would significantly boost India’s civil nuclear energy sector and contribute to national progress.

Highlighting employment-driven initiatives, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of giving infrastructure status to shipbuilding.

“With this status, large-scale ship construction in India will be encouraged, providing a fresh impetus to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign. Shipbuilding is a sector that generates extensive employment,” he noted.

PM Modi also stressed the potential of India’s tourism sector, announcing that hotels would be constructed at 50 key tourist destinations.

“By bringing hotels under the infrastructure category for the first time, the tourism and hospitality sectors will receive a major boost. These industries play a crucial role in employment generation,” he said.

The Prime Minister reiterated that India is progressing with the mantra of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi (Development and Heritage together).”

He highlighted initiatives like the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ and the ‘National Digital Repository’ as key steps in preserving India’s rich heritage while advancing its modern infrastructure.