Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan Lauds 2026 Budget as Blueprint for a Developed India
In a significant address in Varanasi, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan declared that the Central Budget for 2026, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is poised to transform the vision of a developed India into reality. Speaking at a press conference held at the Circuit House on Saturday, Paswan emphasized the budget's comprehensive focus on empowering key segments of society, including the youth, poor, women, farmers, and the middle class.
Infrastructure and Economic Growth Take Center Stage
Paswan highlighted that the budget aims to elevate infrastructure and capital investment to unprecedented levels, which will accelerate India's economic momentum. He projected that this surge in investment would not only foster rapid national progress but also generate extensive employment opportunities and bolster economic activities across the country. "This year's budget will accelerate ease of doing business, railways, health, youth, agriculture, air services, villages, poor farmers, and all sectors," he asserted.
To support this vision, the central government has allocated a capital expenditure of Rs 12.2 lakh crore and introduced a historic budget of Rs 53 lakh crore. These funds are earmarked for modernizing the nation with state-of-the-art roads and bridges, enhancing connectivity and development.
Key Budget Components and Initiatives
Paswan detailed several critical components of the budget that are designed to benefit various demographics:
- Tax Relief: Providing relief to the middle class through adjustments in tax collected at source.
- Healthcare Support: Completely waiving custom duty on 17 life-saving cancer medicines to improve accessibility and affordability.
- Women's Empowerment: A promise to construct one girls' hostel in every district and the establishment of SHE-MART initiatives by village women in urban and global settings.
- Transportation Advancements: The introduction of seven new high-speed rail corridors, including the Delhi-Varanasi route, aimed at making travel faster and more efficient.
Boosting Industry and Economic Resilience
The minister also underscored the budget's focus on revitalizing the industrial sector. Initiatives include supporting small industries, restarting old closed factories, and rejuvenating 200 old industrial areas or clusters. Paswan noted that despite a global recession, India's economy remains robust, with the fiscal deficit maintained at 4.3% of the gross domestic product. He proudly stated that India is now the fourth largest economy in the world and is on track to secure the third position.
Varanasi's Transformation Under PM Modi's Leadership
Reflecting on local developments, Paswan discussed the remarkable transformation of Varanasi since Prime Minister Modi's election victory from the constituency in 2014. He remarked that the evolution of Kashi over the past decade has astonished the world. The divine and grand form of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, in particular, exemplifies the Prime Minister's commitment to preserving heritage while driving development forward.
In summary, Paswan's address positioned the 2026 budget as a pivotal step toward achieving a developed India, with targeted measures for social empowerment, economic growth, and infrastructural excellence.
