By Naina Lal Kidwai
Finance Minister Nirmala SitharamanThe sixth budget, which is an interim budget, promises to be responsible despite it being an election year. The budget talks about inclusive growth, both socially and geographically, especially for the youth, women, farmers and the poor. A sustained focus on improving logistics through infrastructure spending on roads, rail, airports, ports increases productivity for companies and citizens.
The government’s focus is on improving capabilities and empowering people through various skilling initiatives to create a ‘Developed India’ by 2047. It is encouraging to see that Skill India Mission has been successful in training more than 1.4 crore youth and upgrading and re-skilling 54 lakh youth. I am particularly happy to see the continued focus on youth and women entrepreneurship and the announcement of a new fund that will provide interest-free 50-year loans to startups, providing domestic incentives to startups to complement the venture capital on which we Traditionally trusted from abroad.
PM Mudra Yojana has sanctioned 43 crore loans worth Rs 22.5 lakh crore to young entrepreneurs and thirty crore Mudra Yojana loans to women entrepreneurs. There are many other schemes like Fund of Funds, Start-up India and Start-up Credit Guarantee Schemes which are assisting our youth. Additionally, the extension of tax benefits for investments made by start-ups and sovereign wealth funds/pension funds till March 31, 2025 reflects the government’s effort to support the startup eco-system.
This is very much in line with India Sanitation Alliance’s efforts to encourage the start-up world. In the last 7 editions of our ISC-FICCI Sanitation Awards, we have recognized and promoted many start-ups in the sanitation sector, many of which are now successful businesses!
Although the Finance Minister did not provide details on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), the budget allocation has seen a modest increase in spending, reflecting the continued focus on this highly successful programme. The recognition that the private sector has played a vital role in addressing WASH issues in both urban and rural areas, with many projects running through public-private partnerships (PPPs), is encouraging the government to address challenges in the sector. highlights the commitment of
The Lighthouse initiative launched by the Department of Drinking Water along with India Sanitation Coalition (ISC) by partnering with leading corporates across India to develop model villages in Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) under SBM-Gramin is a perfect example of this. Is. With this budget, it is expected that the government will continue to prioritize public-private partnerships (PPP) towards achieving the country’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). Additionally, it is expected that the government will maintain its commitment to make the necessary infrastructure investments for SLWM.
The budget speech celebrates the fact that we have 83 lakh SHGs and 9 crore women beneficiaries. The microfinance movement in the country and the possibility of empowering women members of SHGs through livelihood skills is the key to bringing women into mainstream economic advancement.
Focus on green growth, rooftop solar, wind, biomass, e-vehicles helps in our green energy thrust. The tourism sector was mentioned and can be a big employment provider for youth and women.
Guided by the ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’ principle, the budget emphasizes efficient implementation of various policies by improving coordination with states and relevant stakeholders. This is important for both infrastructure spending and social programs
It is noteworthy that ISC’s Climate Resilient Coastal Cities Project, which is being implemented in PPP (Public-Private Partnership) mode in the four coastal states of Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra, aims to promote climate-resilient activities for blue In line with the priority of the government. Economy 2.0, a plan for restoration and adaptation measures, and coastal aquaculture.
The Budget also focuses on the Aspirational Districts Program where assistance will be given to the States for rapid development of aspirational districts and blocks including creation of adequate economic opportunities. This is again very important as it has huge potential to change the landscape of our country and also ensure that no one is left behind.
Overall, this Budget has adopted economic strategies and developed the building blocks that promote and sustain growth, promote inclusive and sustainable growth and enhance productivity.
(Naina Lal Kidwai is the chairperson of the India Sanitation Alliance and the chairperson of Rothschild & Company India)
Finance Minister Nirmala SitharamanThe sixth budget, which is an interim budget, promises to be responsible despite it being an election year. The budget talks about inclusive growth, both socially and geographically, especially for the youth, women, farmers and the poor. A sustained focus on improving logistics through infrastructure spending on roads, rail, airports, ports increases productivity for companies and citizens.
The government’s focus is on improving capabilities and empowering people through various skilling initiatives to create a ‘Developed India’ by 2047. It is encouraging to see that Skill India Mission has been successful in training more than 1.4 crore youth and upgrading and re-skilling 54 lakh youth. I am particularly happy to see the continued focus on youth and women entrepreneurship and the announcement of a new fund that will provide interest-free 50-year loans to startups, providing domestic incentives to startups to complement the venture capital on which we Traditionally trusted from abroad.
PM Mudra Yojana has sanctioned 43 crore loans worth Rs 22.5 lakh crore to young entrepreneurs and thirty crore Mudra Yojana loans to women entrepreneurs. There are many other schemes like Fund of Funds, Start-up India and Start-up Credit Guarantee Schemes which are assisting our youth. Additionally, the extension of tax benefits for investments made by start-ups and sovereign wealth funds/pension funds till March 31, 2025 reflects the government’s effort to support the startup eco-system.
This is very much in line with India Sanitation Alliance’s efforts to encourage the start-up world. In the last 7 editions of our ISC-FICCI Sanitation Awards, we have recognized and promoted many start-ups in the sanitation sector, many of which are now successful businesses!
Although the Finance Minister did not provide details on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), the budget allocation has seen a modest increase in spending, reflecting the continued focus on this highly successful programme. The recognition that the private sector has played a vital role in addressing WASH issues in both urban and rural areas, with many projects running through public-private partnerships (PPPs), is encouraging the government to address challenges in the sector. highlights the commitment of
The Lighthouse initiative launched by the Department of Drinking Water along with India Sanitation Coalition (ISC) by partnering with leading corporates across India to develop model villages in Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) under SBM-Gramin is a perfect example of this. Is. With this budget, it is expected that the government will continue to prioritize public-private partnerships (PPP) towards achieving the country’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). Additionally, it is expected that the government will maintain its commitment to make the necessary infrastructure investments for SLWM.
The budget speech celebrates the fact that we have 83 lakh SHGs and 9 crore women beneficiaries. The microfinance movement in the country and the possibility of empowering women members of SHGs through livelihood skills is the key to bringing women into mainstream economic advancement.
Focus on green growth, rooftop solar, wind, biomass, e-vehicles helps in our green energy thrust. The tourism sector was mentioned and can be a big employment provider for youth and women.
Guided by the ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’ principle, the budget emphasizes efficient implementation of various policies by improving coordination with states and relevant stakeholders. This is important for both infrastructure spending and social programs
It is noteworthy that ISC’s Climate Resilient Coastal Cities Project, which is being implemented in PPP (Public-Private Partnership) mode in the four coastal states of Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra, aims to promote climate-resilient activities for blue In line with the priority of the government. Economy 2.0, a plan for restoration and adaptation measures, and coastal aquaculture.
The Budget also focuses on the Aspirational Districts Program where assistance will be given to the States for rapid development of aspirational districts and blocks including creation of adequate economic opportunities. This is again very important as it has huge potential to change the landscape of our country and also ensure that no one is left behind.
Overall, this Budget has adopted economic strategies and developed the building blocks that promote and sustain growth, promote inclusive and sustainable growth and enhance productivity.
(Naina Lal Kidwai is the chairperson of the India Sanitation Alliance and the chairperson of Rothschild & Company India)