One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective. (250 words)
The Union Budget 2017-18 aimed to “transform, energize, and clean India” through various measures. Some of the key proposals in the budget to achieve this objective include:
- Transforming governance: The budget focused on improving the quality of governance and the quality of life for citizens by moving from discretionary, favoritism-based administration to a system and transparency-based approach.
- Energizing society: The budget aimed to energize various sections of society, particularly the youth and the vulnerable, to unleash their true potential. This included initiatives like the DigiGaon initiative, which provides telemedicine, education, and skills in villages.
- Cleaning India: The budget aimed to clean the country from corruption, black money, and non-transparent political funding. Measures like demonetization and the introduction of electoral bonds were taken to address these issues.
- Infrastructure development: The budget allocated significant funds for infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and ports, to improve connectivity and boost economic growth.
- Rural development and agriculture: The budget focused on rural development and agriculture, with initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, aimed at improving irrigation facilities and providing crop insurance to farmers.
- Skill development and employment generation: The budget emphasized skill development and employment generation through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) program.
- Digital transformation: The budget aimed to accelerate digital transformation in India by promoting digital transactions, increasing internet connectivity, and encouraging the use of digital technologies in various sectors.
In conclusion, the Union Budget 2017-18 adopted a multipronged approach to transform, energize, and clean India by addressing various sectors of the economy and focusing on rural development, infrastructure, skill development, and digital transformation.
