The Ministry has been receiving increased funds for the last few years for conservation of tigers, the dominant species in the forest ecosystem. The allocation is higher from Rs 195 crore in 2020-21, which, in turn was higher from Rs 175 crore in 2014-15, the first year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
Stressing that since there has been a phenomenal increase in transactions in virtual digital assets, Sitharaman, presenting the Budget 2022-23, said that the magnitude and frequency of these transactions have made it imperative to provide for a specific tax regime.
Approximately, 50 events per day,2 events per hour and 1 event every 30 minutes is being held under the AKAM. A proposal for enhancement of the outlay for the Centenary and Anniversary Scheme to Rs 980 cr over a period of 5 years with Rs 380 cr for the year 22-23 is under consideration.
The preparations for the manned mission involve in-flight demonstration of the Crew Escape System functioning in the lower atmosphere. The exercise recovery of the crew module after impacting the sea is also being worked out.
The budget allocation for FY 2022-23 in the Flagship Scheme of Samagra Shiksha has increased by Rs 6,333.20 crore from Rs 31,050.16 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 37,383.36 crore in 2022-23.
While the standard deduction on personal income remains unchanged at Rs 50,000, there was no change in income tax slabs in the Budget unveiled on Tuesday.
About the allocation of Rs 200 crore to Afghanistan, it is learnt that it is a signal of India's commitment to the Afghan people and the money may be spent on paying for old projects, scholarships and providing aid to the Afghan people.
The government has designated IB's Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) as the nodal point for sharing intelligence inputs with Bangladesh and Myanmar. Generally, India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), deals with intelligence affairs in the foreign nations.
Several Congress leaders, including former party president Rahul Gandhi, criticised Sitharaman for presenting a "Lollypop budget" and alleged that it has exposed the government's "anti-farmer and anti-poor" face. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed it a "Pegasus spin budget" that provided nothing to the common people who have been "crushed" by unemployment and inflation.
Another highlight of the Budget provisions under agriculture is the use of 'Kisan Drones' that will be promoted for crop assessment, digitisation of land records, spraying of insecticides and nutrients etc.
The Minister announced that startups will be promoted to facilitate 'Drone Shakti' through varied applications and for 'Drone-as-a-Service' (DaaS) in select ITIs across all states.
Cashew nuts will become cheaper as import duties have been cut from 30 per cent to 2.5 per cent. Duties on coral has been reduced from 30 per cent to free.
The Budget this year has come with a new confidence of development amidst the once-in-a-century calamity, Modi said, adding that it will create new opportunities for common people along with providing strength to the economy.
The government is also working for rain water conservation, and special campaigns are being implemented for creation of rain water harvesting infrastructure and restoration of traditional water sources in the country.
This will enable livelihood activities for youth and women, filling the gaps in various sectors, the Minister said. However, it will not be a substitute for the existing Central or state schemes.
Copyright © 2024 - Odisha Television Limited All Rights Reserved.