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.
Amit Shah praises Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, says Nation above post
Amit Shah hailed Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister, saying BJP places the nation and students above any position while highlighting the government’s commitment to examination reforms.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday praised Dharmendra Pradhan’s decision to step down as Union Education Minister, saying the move reflected the Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to placing the nation and students above any political position.
In a post on X, Shah said that for BJP workers, the country, its youth and students are more important than any office. He described Pradhan’s resignation as an example of the party’s guiding principle of prioritising national interest over personal ambition.
Shah highlights government’s focus on exam reforms
Amit Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government respects the sentiments of students and remains committed to strengthening the examination system following concerns over alleged paper leaks.
He said the Centre has introduced strict measures to ensure severe punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks and expressed confidence that these steps would deliver justice to students who cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
Praises Pradhan’s work as Education Minister
Recalling Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure, Shah highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his time in the Education Ministry. He credited Pradhan with helping implement the National Education Policy (NEP), expanding PM SHRI schools, promoting digital education, strengthening skill development and improving coordination between industry and academic institutions.
Shah also said Pradhan worked towards making examinations more inclusive and student-centric, adding that his tenure reflected his commitment to the vision of a developed India.
Resignation follows NEET controversy
Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and growing demands for accountability.
The resignation has triggered political reactions across party lines. While opposition parties have described the development as a result of sustained student protests, BJP leaders have projected it as an example of accountability and commitment to national interest.
Assam flood death toll rises to 66, over 6.5 lakh people still affected
Assam’s flood situation improved slightly on Saturday, but more than 6.54 lakh people remain affected in six districts. Four fresh deaths have pushed the state’s flood toll to 66.
The flood situation in Assam showed marginal improvement on Saturday, though the disaster continued to impact more than 6.54 lakh people across six districts. Four more deaths were reported during the day, taking the total number of fatalities in this year’s floods to 66.
According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), three of the latest deaths were reported from Sivasagar district, while one person lost their life in Charaideo.
The number of affected people declined from over 7.05 lakh across nine districts on Friday to 6,54,800 across six districts on Saturday, indicating a gradual improvement in the overall situation.
Sivasagar remains the worst-hit district
Among the affected districts, Sivasagar continues to be the worst hit, with nearly 2.9 lakh people impacted by the floods. Charaideo follows with around 1.9 lakh affected residents, while more than 1.3 lakh people remain affected in Jorhat.
The other districts still facing flood-related challenges are Dibrugarh, Golaghat and Nagaon.
Relief operations continue across affected areas
The ASDMA said the state administration is operating 274 relief camps and aid distribution centres across the affected districts. Around 18,902 displaced people are currently taking shelter at these facilities.
The latest daily bulletin also stated that floodwaters have inundated 810 villages across the state, while 34,970.8 hectares of agricultural land have suffered damage.
Rivers flowing above danger level
The floods have also damaged embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in several areas.
Authorities said the Dikhou River in Sivasagar and the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh are flowing above the danger level, and officials continue to closely monitor the situation.
UP Government forms new SIT led by 3 IPS officers to probe Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft
The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a new SIT led by three IPS officers to investigate the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case in Ayodhya following Supreme Court directions.
The Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IG Kiran S, with DIG Somen Verma and SSP Dr Gaurav Grover as members, to investigate the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The move comes after directions from the Supreme Court, which sought a reconstituted investigation team to ensure an independent and comprehensive probe into the allegations.
The newly formed SIT is expected to continue the investigation and submit a status report before the Supreme Court on July 27.
Senior IPS officers to lead the probe
According to the state government, the investigation will now be supervised by senior IPS officers. The revamped SIT has been tasked with examining all aspects of the alleged embezzlement of temple donations and carrying the investigation forward.
The Supreme Court had observed that criminal investigations and technical examination of theft-related cases are more effectively handled by experienced police officers, leading to the reconstitution of the SIT under senior IPS leadership.
Probe to continue under court supervision
The case relates to the alleged embezzlement of offerings (chadhava) donated by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
The Supreme Court is monitoring the investigation and will review the SIT’s status report at the next hearing.
Authorities are expected to continue examining evidence collected during the earlier stages of the investigation as the newly constituted SIT proceeds with the case.
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