Budget gives priority to those who have been neglected: PM.
- Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the country gives top priority to those who have so far been neglected and this year's Budget underlined the same priority as the key guiding sentiment.
- He was virtually addressing a kirtan for world peace in Assam's Baretta district.
- Reiterating his government's focus on "priority to the deprived", Modi cited examples of Assam and the northeast, which were neglected for decades. But top priority is being accorded to them today as far as development and connectivity are concerned.
- He said the PM Awaas Yojana allocation has been increased to Rs 70,000 crore and most of the houses built under the scheme are in the name of the women of the house. "There are many such provisions in this Budget, which will hugely benefit the women of the northeastern states like Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya. New opportunities will be created for them," he added.
- Talking of the role of tourism in boosting the economy of the NE, the PM said this year's Budget provision of developing and upgrading 50 tourist destinations will bene fit the region a great deal. He also talked about the Ganga Vilas Cruise, which will soon reach Assam as he highlighted that Indian heritage's most valuable treasures are situated on riverbanks.
- He also said special provisions have been made in the Union Budget 2023-24 to increase the interest rates on women's savings to empower them. "In order to make the income of women a means of their empowerment, the Mahlia Samman Saving Certificate scheme has also been started. Women will especially get the benefit of
- The Prime Minister pointed out that the country is starting PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Yojana for the traditional artisans. "The country has now for the first time re-solved to enhance the skills of these traditional artisans", the Prime Minister emphasized, requesting Krishna guru Seva Shram to work to spread awareness about the scheme.
- The PM, who was draped in a white and green 'Amosa (traditional Assamese towel or scarf), said that the demand for the traditional hand towels have gone up in the last eight years.
- "Lakhs of women organi- sed under self-help groups (SHGs) are weaving these. Be- hind every 'gamosa' is the hard work of the women of Assam he said
- The PM asked the Se- washram to propagate coarse grain, recently branded as Shri Anna by preparing 'Pra- sada' with Shri Anna. He also asked them to take the histo- ry of the freedom fighters to the younger generation thro- ugh Sevashram publications.