Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her eighth consecutive Budget on Saturday. The Union Budget 2025 will be announced in two parts—the first session runs from January 31 to February 13, while the second session will take place from March 10 to April 4. This marks Sitharaman’s second Budget in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, including six annual and two interim budgets.
Boosting Nutrition and Agriculture
The government plans to enhance self-reliance in pulses by increasing the production of toor, urad, and masoor dal. To support farmers, NAFED and NCCF will procure these pulses from registered farmers under agreements for the next four years.
Recognizing the rising incomes and growing demand for nutritious food, the government will launch a new program to improve fruit and vegetable production. This initiative aims to ensure affordability and accessibility while stabilizing prices for consumers. Additionally, the government will promote makhana production in Bihar by strengthening marketing strategies and extending support through relevant schemes.
Expanding Medical Education and Healthcare Access
The Budget includes a significant expansion of medical education, with 75,000 additional medical seats to be introduced over the next five years. To improve cancer care, daycare cancer centers will be established in all district hospitals.
Additionally, the government will enhance nutritional support for women, particularly lactating mothers and adolescent girls, with a special focus on the northeastern states.
Healthcare for Gig Workers and Rare Disease Patients
For the first time, gig workers will receive healthcare benefits, covering approximately 1 crore individuals. Meanwhile, cancer and rare disease patients will gain access to 36 new life-saving drugs, which will now be fully exempt from customs duty and tax.
Furthermore, the Budget proposes concessional duty and full exemptions for the bulk manufacture of drugs. If medicines covered under Basic Customs Duty (BCD) provisions are provided free to patients, they will be exempt from duty charges.
As reported by news9live.com, these initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare system, ensuring accessibility, and enhancing nutrition for all.