Union Budget 2024: What Are 9 Key Priorities, From Energy Security To Next-Gen Reforms?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2024-25, highlighting nine key priorities under the 'Viksit Bharat' vision. This budget marks the beginning of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term in office, on Tuesday, as reported by Hindustan Times.

In her address to the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman acknowledged the ongoing global policy uncertainties but emphasized that India's economic growth continues to be exceptional. She noted that India's growth remains strong and inflation is under control, moving towards the targeted 4 percent.

Sitharaman emphasized that, as outlined in the interim budget, the government's focus will remain on addressing the needs of the poor, women, youth, and farmers, as per media reports.

What Are the 9 Priority Areas of the Union Budget?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman identified nine key priorities for the Union Budget 2024-25, aiming to create ample opportunities for all and guide India towards comprehensive development:

1. Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture
2. Employment and Skilling
3. Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice
4. Manufacturing and Services
5. Urban Development
6. Energy Security
7. Infrastructure
8. Innovation, Research, and Development
9. Next Generation Reforms

"This budget will chart the course for the next five years and set the stage for our goal of making India a developed country by 2047," said Prime Minister Modi ahead of the budget announcement.

Market Reactions: Nifty, Sensex trade flat

Following the budget announcement, Indian stock markets showed muted reactions. By 11:34 am, the BSE Sensex had declined by approximately 0.08 percent, while the Nifty 50 dropped 0.13 percent.