Budget 2024-25 all-inclusive, catering to all sections: Sunil Sethi

Jammu, July 24: J&K Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader and chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi Wednesday stated that the union budget for the Financial Year 2024-25 was all-inclusive, catering to needs and aspirations of all sections.

He exuded confidence that focus on tourism and agriculture in J&K Budget 2024-25 would bolster the economy of the Union Territory.

Sethi, accompanied by J&K BJP Media Relations Department co-incharge Balbir Ram Rattan besides other senior leaders, was addressing a press conference here.

“As far as J&K is concerned, the UT has got Rs 1,18,390 Cr budget for the financial year of 2024-25. For the first time, J&K has been allocated a whopping over Rs 42,000 Cr central assistance including Rs 12,000 Cr for Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP). This substantial allocation will help strengthen and modernise JKP, in its fight against terrorists, particularly at a time when Pakistan is making all out efforts to revive terrorism here. This will also contribute towards bolstering VDGs,” Sethi said.

“Similarly, emphasis has been given for tourism promotion in the budget with the provisions for new projects both in Jammu as well as in Kashmir regions. In the Jammu region, tourism projects provided for Lakhanpur, Samba and Patnitop will not only boost further tourism in J&K, but will also help bolster the economy of this region,” BJP leader said.

He also appreciated the allocation of substantial funds for completion of Jammu and Srinagar Smart City projects and change in tax slabs offering Income Tax relief for the middle class, particularly salaried class and pensioners.

Hailing the provisions of the union budget, Sethi said, “Seventh union budget 2024-25 of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled new hopes and innovative policies of the government. Budget is all-inclusive, encompassing provisions for all sections of the society. With Rs 2 lakh Cr outlay for job creation schemes, it focuses on generation of 2.90 lakh new jobs for the youth; as a part of skill-enhancement programme, around 1 crore youth will be provided internship opportunities (in top 500 companies).”

He lauded substantial increase in the defence budget and pointed out that with this enhancement, the budget also provided for an increase in pensions of ex-servicemen.

“Finance Minister has also announced schemes or programmes worth Rs 3 lakh Cr for women,” he said. On this account, he also mentioned scholarship provisions worth Rs 5000 under “Anmol Beti” scheme. With major focus on agriculture and farmers, it (Budget) provides for direct benefits to one Crore farmers. Budget solidly aims at realising the avowed objective of “Viksit Bharat” as envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Sethi said.