By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 4 Feb: Finance Minister Prem Chand Aggarwal has described the Union Budget as a blueprint for building a developed India, while addressing a press conference at BJP State Headquarters here today. He claimed that the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman aligns with the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”. Aggarwal also asserted that the budget would accelerate growth in all states, including Uttarakhand, while prioritising the welfare of the poor, youth, farmers, and women.
Aggarwal described the budget as a transformative step toward India’s development by 2047. He highlighted key allocations in agriculture, defence, education, and healthcare, alongside “historic tax relief” raising the income tax exemption limit from Rs 7 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs for the middle class.
The State Finance Minister stressed that the budget is not just a financial document but a strategic tool shaping economic policies and social welfare. Over the last 10 years, each budget has driven reforms, pushing India toward becoming a global economic power through technology, green energy, and inclusive growth, he claimed.
According to Aggarwal, key points in the budget include support for farmers like increase in loan limit under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) from Rs 3 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs, a Pulses Self-Reliance Mission with central agencies ensuring procurement for the next four years; empowering Youth and Rs 10,000 crore ‘Fund of Funds’ to promote youth self-employment. Aggarwal added that 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in government schools over the next five years to boost innovation; boost for Women Entrepreneurs: Rs 4.49 lakh crores has been allocated under the Gender Budget, a 37 percent increase from last year. A term loan facility of up to Rs 2 crores will be provided for five lakh first-time women entrepreneurs. He reminded that in Interest income tax deduction for senior citizens has been doubled to Rs 1 lakh, and that TDS exemption on rent has been increased to Rs 6 lakhs.
He also reminded that increased budget allocations for startups, industries, and tourism signal new growth opportunities. Additionally, lithium batteries, electronic products, TVs, electric cars, and mobile phones will become cheaper.
Aggarwal also mentioned Uttarakhand’s increased share in central taxes, rising to Rs 15,902 crores which, he reminded is an increase of Rs 1,518 crores from the previous year. Additional funding under the 15th Finance Commission will support disaster relief, health, and local bodies, he added. Aggarwal claimed that the state also expects Rs 2,000 crore in interest-free loans for capital projects, with further benefits from enhanced allocations in agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
The state finance minister also observed that the pre-budget recommendations submitted by the state to the Centre, including extending the Jal Jeevan Mission timeline to 2028, have been accepted, ensuring the completion of remaining water projects with 90 percent central funding.
He also claimed that several key demands of Uttarakhand were included in the Union Budget, reflecting the state’s development priorities. He highlighted the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission deadline to 2028, ensuring the completion of pending projects with 90 percent funding from the Central Government. He also welcomed the Rs 4,641 crores railway budget for Uttarakhand, surpassing allocations for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. This will expedite railway projects, including Rs 228 crores for the Kichha-Khatima rail line, enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism. Additionally, 11 railway stations, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Kathgodam, and Roorkee, will be transformed into Amrit Stations with a Rs 147 crores allocation.
Agarwal also stressed that the new UDAN scheme for 125 cities will improve air connectivity also in Uttarakhand, while the establishment of cancer centres in all districts over the next three years will expand healthcare access. Cheaper cancer medicines and the transformation of India Post into a public logistics network will further benefit remote areas. Additionally, the MSME credit guarantee has been doubled to Rs 10 crores, promoting small businesses.
The BJP leader described the budget as a catalyst for economic growth, investment, and inclusive development, aligning with the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. He also confirmed that preparations for the state budget are underway, with consultations across sectors. A review of proposals and suggestions is expected by February 7-9, with the budget session date to be finalised soon after the Chief Minister’s approval.
