Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday presented the Union Budget for the financial year 2021-22, in which she announced a slew of measures to ensure the recovery of the economy that has suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sitharaman, who ditched the traditional 'bahi khata' and went digital with a tablet, highlighted that the budget proposals rest on six pillars―Health and well-being, physical and financial capital and infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India, reinvigorating human capital, innovation and R&D, and minimum government and maximum governance.
The finance minister announced several schemes for improving the healthcare infrastructure of the nation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, by launching a centrally sponsored scheme PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana with an outlay of about 64,180 crores over six years.
“I have provided Rs 35,000 crores for COVID-19 vaccine in this year 2021-22. I am committed to provide further funds if required,” Sitharaman said.
While there have been no announcements with regard to income tax slabs, the budget proposed tax relaxations and affordable housing scheme for senior citizens.
Some measures were announced in the budget with an eye on upcoming Assembly elections in four states―Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and West Bengal.
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