New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled her 8th Budget in a row this Saturday. The Union Budget 2025 will be announced in two parts – Parliament’s Budget session commenced on January 31 and will conclude on February 13. The second part will begin on March 10 and conclude on April 4. This will be Sitharaman’s second Budget in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third tenure and so far, she has presented six annual and two interim budgets. Here are the developments, and the FM plans for the healthcare sector in the upcoming year, starting with nutrition.
- After announcing the areas of focus of the government in the upcoming five years, she mentioned the plan for ‘Atma nirbharata in pulses’. This entails maximising the output and availability of toor, urad, and masoor dal. NAFED and NCCF will be procuring the same from farmers who enter agreements and register with agencies. This will continue for four years to ensure support from farmers.
- Talking about the increased focus on nutrition in an economy where income is rising, a programme will be launched to boost the production and availability of fruits and vegetables while also regulating prices with farmers. The government aims to support this trend with targeted initiatives to further promote the availability and accessibility of these essential food items and to maximise nutrition received by all age groups.
- Furthermore, Makhana board in Bihar will also given a boost by the government to boost the production and marketing of makhanas and farmers will be given benefits of all relevant government schemes.
- India is the second largest in the world in fish agriculture and aquaculture. Therefore, the FM proposed to unlock the untapped potential of the marine sector, harnessing fisheries in the Indian exclusive economic zone, with an increased focus on Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshwadeep islands.
- FM Sitharaman also said that in the medical education sector, 75,000 medical seats will be increased in the next 5 years. Daycare cancer centers will also be launched at all district hospitals.
- The Budget also proposes to offer nutritional support to women – specifically lactating women and girls, particularly in the north-east.
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Health Budget 2025 Announcements by FM Nirmala Sitharaman: In the healthcare sector, in a Budget that was expected to support the mid-income group of people, here’s what FM Sitharaman plans to do. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
