Sarbananda Sonowal Announces Big Budget Boost for Tribal Communities and Northeast Development
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced a nearly 200% increase in budget allocation for the development of tribal communities, totaling Rs 13,000 crores. Speaking at a meeting in Shillong, he highlighted the Union Budget 2024’s focus on empowering youth, women, and tribal communities, especially in the Northeast.
Key Initiatives
The budget introduces the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram scheme to promote social justice and improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities. This scheme will benefit 5 crore tribal people in 63,000 villages.
Funding for programs like PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi, National Livelihood Mission, and Stand Up India has been increased to support traditional artisans, craftsmen, self-help groups (SHGs), Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women entrepreneurs.
Agriculture and Natural Farming
The government aims to develop the Northeast as a hub of Natural Farming and Horticulture. An allocation of Rs 598 crores for an eco-friendly sustainable agriculture project will address climate change, soil erosion, and pest infestations.
Manufacturing and MSME Support
The budget also focuses on boosting the manufacturing and services sector through the MUDRA scheme and a new Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) offers Rs 15,000 in three installments to first-time employees, integrated with the Meghalaya Industrial & Investment Promotion Policy.
Infrastructure Development
Phase IV of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana will provide all-weather connectivity to remote areas, including the Northeast, with an allocation of Rs 19,338 crores for road and highway connectivity improvements.
Empowering Youth and Women
To enable youth power, 1000 ITIs will be upgraded, and the setting up of women’s hostels and creches will help the women workforce to work in industries.
Doubts Revealed
Sarbananda Sonowal -: Sarbananda Sonowal is an Indian politician who is currently serving as a Union Minister. He has also been the Chief Minister of Assam, a state in Northeast India.
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the central government in India who is in charge of a specific department or ministry, like health, education, or finance.
budget allocation -: Budget allocation means deciding how much money will be given to different projects or departments by the government.
tribal communities -: Tribal communities are groups of people who have their own unique cultures, languages, and traditions. In India, they are often referred to as Adivasis.
Northeast -: The Northeast refers to the northeastern region of India, which includes states like Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya. This area is known for its diverse cultures and beautiful landscapes.
Union Budget 2024 -: The Union Budget 2024 is the financial plan for the year 2024 made by the central government of India. It outlines how money will be spent on various projects and services.
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram scheme -: This is a government program aimed at improving the living conditions in villages where tribal communities live. ‘Pradhan Mantri’ means Prime Minister, and ‘Janjatiya’ refers to tribal people.
traditional artisans -: Traditional artisans are people who make crafts and goods using skills that have been passed down through generations, like weaving, pottery, and metalwork.
MSMEs -: MSMEs stands for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. These are small businesses that play a crucial role in the economy by providing jobs and producing goods and services.
