(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) UNION BUDGET 2025-26: DEVELOPMENT DIMENSIONS

(MARCH-2025)

UNION BUDGET 2025-26: DEVELOPMENT DIMENSIONS

Introduction:

The Union Budget for 2025-26 marks a pivotal moment in India’s economic trajectory, especially in fostering rural advancement, bolstering infrastructure, creating job opportunities, and enhancing social welfare. This budget resonates with the long-term aspiration of Viksit Bharat@2047 by emphasizing investments in critical sectors such as agriculture, rural development, skills training, MSMEs, and infrastructure.

Economic Context: Insights from the Economic Survey 2024-25

The Economic Survey for 2024-25, presented in Parliament on 31 January 2025, showcased India's robust economic progression despite global hurdles.

The survey observed:

A downturn in global manufacturing due to supply chain disruptions and diminished demand from Europe and Asia.
India’s competitive edge in effectively managing demand and supply dynamics.
A resurgence in rural consumption and agricultural productivity, supported by regulation of food inflation and macroeconomic stability.

Citizens’ Pre-Budget Aspirations:

Enhanced income and employment prospects.
Improved infrastructure initiatives.
Elevated funding for social welfare and business-friendly frameworks.

Budget Highlights: Allocation and Development Emphasis

Key Financial Metrics:

The budget seeks to accelerate economic growth, upgrade infrastructure, and promote social welfare.

Total Outlay: ₹50.65 lakh crore (versus ₹47.16 lakh crore in 2024-25).
Effective Capital Outlay: ₹15.48 lakh crore (compared to ₹10.18 lakh crore in 2024-25).
Increased Investment in Key Sectors: Agriculture, MSMEs, rural employment, and infrastructure.
Vision for Viksit Bharat@2047
An evolved and self-sufficient India with economic abundance.
Emphasis on innovation, technology, environmental sustainability, and governance.
Significant focus on rural development with a budget allocation of ₹1.87 lakh crore for the Department of Rural Development (+5.75% from 2024-25).

(i) Agriculture and Farmer Welfare

Prime Minister’s Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Initiated in 100 districts to unify existing agricultural schemes.

Key Focus Areas:

Sustainable farming practices (organic agriculture, agroforestry).
Enhanced irrigation and water management through PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) (₹8,260 crore).
Increased funding in post-harvest infrastructure (cold storage, logistics).
Reinforcement of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.

Fertilizer Subsidy Change:

Urea subsidy reduction in favor of nutrient-based subsidies.
Focus on biofertilizers and precision farming to mitigate soil degradation.

(ii) Food Processing Industries

PM Formalization of Micro-Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) experienced a 4.8% rise in budget allocation.

Focus on:

Technological advancement & modern processing facilities.
Enhanced product quality & business scalability.

(iii) Rural Employment: MGNREGA & NRLM

MGNREGA Allocation: ₹86,000 crore (consistent with 2024-25).
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – NRLM (DAY-NRLM): 26.3% increase in funding (₹19,005 crore up from ₹15,047 crore). Emphasis on women’s empowerment, skills development & entrepreneurship.

Challenges & Enhancements:

Need for improved planning, execution, and asset quality management.
Community entrepreneurship programs to foster self-employment.

(iv) Rural Housing & Connectivity

PM Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G): ₹54,832 crore (+0.6% compared to 2024-25).
Focus on affordable rural housing for SCs, STs, and families led by women.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): ₹19,000 crore.
Accelerated rural road infrastructure to improve connectivity, trade, and job opportunities.

(v) Dairy & Fisheries Enhancement

Dairy Sector Priorities: Increase milk production and support rural dairy farming.
Investment in cold storage and cooperative systems (such as AMUL).
PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): 5.7% rise in budget allocation.
Focus on modern aquaculture, cold storage, and support for fishermen.

(vi) Skill Development & Education

Samagra Shiksha: Allocating ₹41,250 crore for primary & secondary education. Emphasis on digital learning, teacher training & inclusive education.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Supporting rural artisans & craftsmen. Focus on modern equipment, financial support & market integration.

Conclusion

The Union Budget for 2025-26 offers a comprehensive strategy for economic and rural advancement, aligning with the long-term goal of Viksit Bharat@2047. With increased investments in agriculture, employment, infrastructure, MSMEs, and education, the budget aims to expedite economic growth, create jobs, and elevate social welfare. The challenge remains in effective implementation and ensuring that budgetary provisions yield real benefits for the populace.