Key Highlights from India’s Interim Budget: Medical Coverage for ASHA Workers and More

In the interim budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, several significant announcements were made, catering to various sectors and addressing key societal needs. One of the noteworthy initiatives is the provision of medical coverage for Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring access to healthcare up to Rs. 5 lakh annually. This step aims to prioritize the well-being of these frontline workers who play a crucial role in community healthcare.

Furthermore, the budget emphasizes enhancing the agricultural sector, with a focus on augmenting farmers’ income and improving post-harvest operations. Efforts will be directed towards value addition, storage, processing, and marketing of agricultural produce, alongside promoting self-reliance in seed production and boosting dairy farming and aquaculture productivity. These measures aim to strengthen the agricultural economy and uplift the livelihoods of farmers across the nation.

To foster innovation and research in emerging domains, a corpus of Rs. 1 lakh crore will be established, offering interest-free loans for research and development activities in sunrise sectors. Additionally, the budget underscores the importance of infrastructure development, with plans to expand airports, promote e-vehicles, and establish charging points to bolster sustainable transportation options.

In line with environmental sustainability, initiatives such as promoting eco-friendly alternatives and mandatory blending of compressed biogas in transport fuels demonstrate a commitment to green practices. Moreover, interest-free loans for tourism development, coupled with efforts to enhance port connectivity and promote domestic tourism, reflect a holistic approach towards socio-economic growth.

Lastly, addressing social challenges, a high-powered committee will be formed to study population growth-related issues and provide recommendations for effective interventions. These measures collectively signify a comprehensive approach towards fostering social change, economic development, and sustainable progress in India.