The central government prioritized social security and digital development in the 2024-25 budget.

New Delhi — The Ministry of Finance of India presented its budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year last night, giving priority to social security, health, education and digital infrastructure. The total estimated expenditure is said to be 45 lakh crore rupees, of which 12 lakh crore rupees are allocated directly to social welfare schemes. The government has earmarked 2.5 lakh crore rupees for the expansion of rural electronic services, high‑speed internet connectivity and digital literacy programmes. This budget is being seen as a step towards achieving economic recovery, job creation and sustainable development goals.

The budget specifies a total outlay of 45 lakh crore rupees, with 12 lakh crore rupees earmarked directly for social security schemes. The health sector is allocated 2.5 lakh crore rupees, education 1.8 lakh crore rupees and agriculture 1.2 lakh crore rupees. This time the government has expanded the ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’ and proposed to increase pensions for the elderly, assistance for unemployed youth and subsidies for poor families. The aim of these measures is to reduce social inequalities and broaden economic opportunities.

Under social security, ‘Ayushman Bharat’ will receive an additional 1.2 lakh crore rupees, which will expand treatment facilities at rural health centres. The old‑age pension has been raised from 5,000 rupees to 7,000 rupees, while the ‘Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Yojana’ sets a target of creating 10 lakh new jobs for unemployed youth. In addition, there is a plan to construct 30 lakh houses for poor families under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’, which will improve housing security.

An allocation of 2.5 lakh crore rupees has been made to strengthen digital infrastructure. This amount will be used for expanding rural 5G networks, digital literacy programmes and e‑education platforms. Under ‘Digital India’, the government aims to provide high‑speed broadband to 10 crore households, thereby reducing the urban‑rural digital divide. Additionally, new policies for cyber security and data protection have been proposed to ensure the stability of the digital economy.

Economic experts have described this budget as ‘balanced and progressive’. Many economists believe that the increased spending on social security will boost consumer expenditure, thereby strengthening economic growth. Meanwhile, investment in digital infrastructure is seen as essential for future technological competition. Some critics have argued that there is a lack of tax reforms to control the fiscal deficit, but the government clarified that the deficit will be reduced over the next two years through revenue growth.

Looking ahead, the central government has presented the budget as a platform for long‑term development. Investment in social security, health, education and digital infrastructure is positioned as a cornerstone of national development…