Union Budget 2021: Poll-bound states focus of budget
Budget 2021 live updates: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speech Today Live, Union Budget 2021-22 Highlights: Get live updates of union Budget 2021 along with highlights & budget 2021-22 analysis on Apn News
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday presented the Union Budget 2021-22 in Parliament on Monday. She announced changes in the taxation process, exempting senior citizens above age 75 from filing income tax returns. She also announced new rules for removal of double taxation for NRIs, and a reduction in the time period of tax assessments among other measures. She announced Aatmnirbhar packages totalling Rs 27.1 lakh crore to fight the Covid pandemic in her budget speech. She allotted Rs. 35,000 crore for Covid-19 vaccine.
While presenting the Budget, Sitharaman said the budget for 2021-22 rests on six pillars – health and well-being, physical and financial capital and infrastructure, inclusive development for aspirational India, reinvigorating human capital, innovation & R&D, Minimum Govt and Maximum Governance. The Finance Minister had assured that the 2021-22 budget will be a Budget like never before.
Sitharaman said government is committed to welfare of farmers. She said MSP has gone through a sea change. Over Rs 75,000 crore have paid to wheat farmers in 2020-21 and 43.36 lakh farmers have benefited from this. The finance minister announced to hike the FDI limit in Insurance from 49% to 74%.
The FM Sitharaman allotted announced 11,000 km of national highway infrastructure this year specifically in three states which are set to contest elections later this year. Over Rs 1 lakh crore have been allocated to Tamil Nadu, Rs 65,000 crore for National Highways in Kerala and Rs 95,000 crore for road projects in West Bengal.
The Finance Ministry’s Economic Survey projected that India’s GDP will record 11 percent growth in 2021-22. The nominal GDP growth has been estimated at 15.4 percent, implying an assumption of 4.4 per cent inflation during the year. This year’s budget is unique as it is paperless. The finance minister used a tablet computer to deliver a paperless Budget address.
The Aam Aadmi party took a dig at Modi government in its tweet after the Finance Minister presented the Budget in Lok Sabha. This is what the AAP tweeted.
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No change in income tax slabs
Income tax slabs will remain the same, announced FM in her budget speech. To further ease filing of IT returns, details of capital gains and interest from banks, post offices, etc will be pre-filled.
Government to borrow Rs 80,000 crore in a bid to meet FY21 expenditure
Centre will borrow Rs 80,000 crore in remaining two months to meet FY21 expenditure.
Fiscal deficit in 2020-21 pegged at 9.5% of GDP. We would need another Rs 80,000 crores for which we would be approaching the market in these two months: FM Nirmala Sitharaman #UnionBudget2021pic.twitter.com/vXAjcIvyYp
Nirmala Sitharaman says no IT returns for those above 75
Those above 75 years of age will not have to file I-T returns.
The government has launched one nation, one ration card scheme through which beneficiaries can claim their rations anywhere in the country. The scheme is under implementation by 32 states & Union Territories.
We have launched one nation, one ration card scheme through which beneficiaries can claim their rations anywhere in the country. Migrant workers in particular benefit from scheme. One nation, One ration card plan is under implementation by 32 states & UTs: FM Nirmala Sithraman. pic.twitter.com/bbyS5KmcWn
Government committed to welfare of farmers, says FM
Amid the ongoing farmers’s protest against the centre’s three farm laws, Sitharaman says government is committed to welfare of farmers. She said MSP has gone through a sea change. Over Rs 75,000 crore have paid to wheat farmers in 2020-21 and 43.36 lakh farmers have benefited from this.
In 2021-22 the government will also bring the IPO of LIC for which the FM is bringing the requisite amendments in this session itself. The FM announced government’s plan to sell part of its holding in Life Insurance Corporation of India this year through initial public offering.
FM infuses Rs 20,000 crore for public sector banks
FM announces further infusion of Rs 20,000 crore for public sector banks
The FM Sitharaman increases FDI limit in insurance to 74 percent
The finance minister announced to hike the FDI limit in Insurance from 49% to 74%. She however said that majority directors on board and Key management personnels will be Indians.
The pneumococcal vaccine to be rolled out across the country. This will avert more than 50,000 child deaths annually, says FM.
The pneumococcal vaccine, limited to only 5 states at present, to be rolled out across the country. This will avert more than 50,000 child deaths annually: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman #UnionBudgetpic.twitter.com/S4Eohm8fQa
Rs 18,000 crore for public buses, says FM Sitharaman
The government announces a budget of Rs 18,000 crore for public buses.
FM announces Rs 1.10 lakh crore outlay for railways
The centre to provide Rs 1.10 lakh crore outlay for railways, of which Rs 1.7 lakh crore is for capital expenditure.
The Finance minister allocates Rs 64,180 crore for healthcare sector
The government has announced a new central healthcare scheme to strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure over the next 6 years. The Pradhan Mantri Atma Nirbhar Swasthya Bharat Yojana has been allocated around Rs 64,180 crore.
Government aims to complete 11,000 km of national highway infrastructure this year: FM Sitharaman
3,500 km corridor in Tamil Nadu, 1,100 km in Kerala at investment of Rs 65,000 cr, 675 km in West Bengal at a cost of Rs 95,000 cr, 1,300 km in Assam in the next 3 years
Sitharaman introduces Voluntary scrapping policy for vehicles
All private vehicles beyond 20 years and commercial vehicles older than 15 years old will have to undergo fitness test.
Sitharaman announces 35 thousand crores for Covid-19 vaccine.
FM Sitharaman announces Rs 95,000 crore for roads development in Bengal.
Government to launch Mission Poshan 2.0; Jal Jeevan Mission Urban will be launched. “The Urban Swachh Bharat scheme will be implemented with an outlay of over Rs 1.4 lakh crore,” she said.
Sitharaman said today India has 2 #COVID19 vaccines available and has begun safeguarding not only its own citizens but also those of 100 or more countries.
Today India has 2 vaccines available and has begun safeguarding not only her own citizens against #COVID19 but also those of 100 or more countries. It has added comfort to know that 2 ore more vaccines are also expected soon: FM Nirmala Sitharaman#UnionBudget2021pic.twitter.com/OhhgjDQDKq
The preparation of this Budget was undertaken in circumstances like never before, in view of calamities that have affected a country or a region within a country. But what we have endured with COVID-19 to 2020 is Sui generis, says finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Congress leaders reach Parliament in black gowns.
Congress MPs Jasbir Singh Gill and Gurjeet Singh Aujla wear a black gown to the Parliament to protest against the three farm laws, that have sparked a widespread agitation by farmers.
Delhi: Congress MPs Jasbir Singh Gill and Gurjeet Singh Aujla wear a black gown to the Parliament, as a mark of their protest against the three #FarmLawspic.twitter.com/OjzM22zOCW
The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MoS Finance & Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, met President Ram Nath Kovind before presenting the budget 2021-22.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MoS Finance & Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, called on President Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan before presenting the #UnionBudget 2021-22.
At the start of the joint session of Parliament on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had already announced 3-4 mini budgets and that the 2021-22 Budget should be seen as an extension of the same effort.
Congress, BJP attack Bhagwant Mann over remarks on Punjab blasts
Congress and BJP have jointly criticised Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann after he linked recent blasts near defence sites to political motives, triggering a controversy.
A political row has erupted in Punjab after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann linked recent blast incidents to political motives, drawing sharp criticism from both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The controversy follows two low-intensity explosions reported within a short span of time — one near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Jalandhar and another close to an army cantonment area in Amritsar. The incidents raised concerns over security, particularly given the sensitive nature of the locations.
In response, Mann suggested that the blasts could be part of a larger political strategy. His remarks triggered a strong backlash, with opposition parties accusing him of politicising a serious security issue.
Leaders from the Congress criticised the Chief Minister’s statement, calling it inappropriate and alleging that such comments undermine the gravity of the situation. They stressed that matters related to national security should be handled with caution and responsibility.
The BJP also joined the criticism, questioning the basis of Mann’s claims and urging the state government to focus on investigation and law enforcement instead of making political allegations.
The developments have led to an unusual moment where both Congress and BJP appear aligned in their criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party-led government in the state.
Meanwhile, the blasts themselves have intensified concerns over safety in border regions, with authorities continuing their investigation into the incidents. No casualties were reported, but the proximity to defence establishments has made the issue particularly sensitive.
The episode has further escalated political tensions in the state, with security and accountability emerging as key points of debate.
Himanta Biswa Sarma resigns as Assam chief minister, oath ceremony likely after May 11
Himanta Biswa Sarma resigns as Assam Chief Minister after BJP-led NDA’s victory. He will continue as caretaker CM until the new government is sworn in after May 11.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma resigned from his post on Wednesday, paving the way for the formation of a new government after the BJP-led NDA secured a decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Sarma submitted his resignation to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at Lok Bhawan in Guwahati. The Governor accepted the resignation and asked him to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister until the new government takes charge.
The resignation comes after the NDA’s strong electoral performance, where the alliance won a clear majority in the 126-member Assembly, ensuring its return to power for another term.
Oath ceremony expected after May 11
Speaking to reporters after submitting his resignation, Sarma said the swearing-in ceremony for the new government is likely to be held after May 11.
He indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to attend the ceremony but is unavailable until May 11, which has influenced the tentative schedule.
Decision on next chief minister soon
Sources suggest that central observers, including senior BJP leaders, are expected to arrive shortly to oversee the selection of the legislature party leader. The newly elected MLAs will then decide on the next Chief Minister.
Despite the formal resignation, party sources indicate that Sarma is likely to continue in the role for another term, given the BJP’s strong mandate in the state.
The move marks the beginning of the government formation process in Assam following the election results declared earlier this week.
The coming together of Rahul Gandhi and actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 Assembly elections was not sudden, but the result of behind-the-scenes political manoeuvring and early signals within the Congress.
According to media reports, some leaders in the Tamil Nadu Congress had already sensed the scale of Vijay’s surge during the campaign, anticipating what was later described as a “wave” in favour of his party.
After the results, where Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party but fell short of a majority, communication channels between the Congress leadership and Vijay quickly became active.
A key moment in this evolving political equation was a phone call from Rahul Gandhi to Vijay, congratulating him on the party’s strong performance. The conversation was seen as more than a courtesy, signalling the possibility of cooperation at a time when government formation required additional support.
Reports indicate that discussions within Congress weighed the political benefits of supporting Vijay, especially given the shifting dynamics in the state where traditional dominance by major Dravidian parties has been challenged.
With TVK needing allies to cross the majority mark, Congress emerged as a potential partner, leading to a broader political realignment in the state. This development also triggered tensions within opposition alliances, highlighting the strategic importance of the decision.
The evolving partnership reflects a mix of electoral pragmatism and changing voter sentiment, particularly the growing influence of younger voters, which leaders acknowledged as a key factor in the election outcome.
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