Sitharaman lists PM Modi govt's 'Saptarishi' for India's Amrit Kaal

While presenting the Union Budget, the finance minister listed out the priorities of this year's budget.

New Delhi, Feb 01: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the last full-fledged Union Budget 2023-2024 of the Modi government before the general asssebly elections in 2024.

While presenting the budget, she said, "We are marking Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and have entered into Amrit Kaal, the 25-year-long leadup to India@100." She announced the first budget in 'Amrit Kaal' will be guided by seven priorities that complement each other and act as the 'Saptarishi'.

Similar to Saptarishi, or seven great sages, these seven priorities are supposed to guide the country toward a better future and handle the major challenges it is currently experiencing.

• Inclusive development
• Reaching the last mile
• Infra & investment
• Unleashing the potential
• Green growth
• Youth power
• Financial sector

Talking about inclusive development, the finance minister said the Government's philosophy of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas has facilitated inclusive development covering in specific, farmers, women, youth, OBCs, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, divyangjan and economically weaker sections, and overall priority for the underprivileged (vanchiton ko variyata). There has also been a sustained focus on Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and the North-East. This Budget builds on those efforts, she highlighted.

Sitharaman also highlighted the following points:

• Cash transfer of Rs 2.2 lakh cr to 11.4 cr farmers under PM Kisan Samman
• 11.7cr household toilets
• 9.6 cr LPG connections
• 220 cr COVID vaccination for 102cr persons
• Insurance cover for 44.6cr persons

What is Amrit Kaal?

Amrit Kaal refers to the next 25 years leading up to the centenary or 100 years of India's independence. This period has been pitched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the time when India can strive to become a developed country.

The term was first used by PM Modi in 2021 during the 75th Independence Day celebrations, when he unveiled a new roadmap for the country for the next 25 years.

With inputs from agencies