NEW DELHI: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman started presenting the General Budget for the financial year 2022-2023 in Parliament. The presentation comes after the budget was approved by the Union Cabinet. The speaker said a digital budget is being introduced.

She began her budget speech by expressing empathy to those who suffered during the pandemic. The minister said India is now in a strong position to withstand challenges. This budget seeks to lay the foundation and steer the economy in the next 25 years. She said 400 Vande Bharat trains with higher efficiency for passengers will be developed in the next three years.

Delivery of hi-tech services for farmers to be launched

MSP for farmers to be transferred directly in bank accounts

Budget reiterates focus on public investment to modernize infrastructure over the medium term, leveraging tech platform of Gati Shakti via a multi-modal approach

Chemical-free natural farming to be promoted in India

PLI schemes across 14 sectors have achieved a tremendous response and created 60 lakh job opportunities. She began her budget speech by expressing empathy to those who suffered during the pandemic. The minister said India is now in a strong position to withstand challenges. This budget seeks to lay the foundation and steer the economy in the next 25 years. Four multi-modal national parks contracts will be awarded in FY23

PM Gatishakti masterplan for expressways will be formulated in next financial year

The scope of PM Gatishakti masterplan will encompass the seven engines of economic transformation This budget will provide impetus for growth

Budget 2022 has provided a sharp increase in provision for public investment and capital expenditure Aatmanirbhar Bharat has received excellent response Strategic transfer of ownership of Air India has been completed Other projects E-passport from this year

80 lakh houses under PM Awas Yojana

National Mental Health Plan soon

Additional amount will be earmarked for the employment guarantee scheme.

The privatization of LIC will not be delayed

Aim for welfare of youth, women, farmers and backward classes

Two lakh crore for small and medium enterprises

The plan to connect five rivers ready Agricultural sector Jal Jeevan Mission 60,000 crore

Special scheme for organic farming

Increases crop storage

2.7 lakh crore for support price

Huge benefits to farmers

Kisan drones for farmers

2.37 lakh crore to provide support price for crops

Startups will be started in agricultural sector Transportation 2000 km of new road called Kavach 100 new cargo terminals New project for hill transport 400 Vande Bharat trains in three years 2000 km of railway network will be increased Education Digital University will be started Two lakh anganwadis will be renovated Banking 75 digital banking units will be set up Core banking facility in post offices