Union Budget attempts to secure social and economic might of people, says Ayush Minister Sonowal

A CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal advocated various schemes and initiatives of the Union Budget for FY 2023-24 to secure the social and economic might of the citizens of the country.

Highlighting the Saptarshis for India's future growth, the Union Minister highlighted core philosophy of the budget which are inclusive development, reaching the last mile, infrastructure investment, unleashing the potential, green growth, youth power, and economic development. All of these are crucial elements towards the powering the Amrit Kaal journey of India to become self-sufficient and Atma Nirbhar by 2047, added Sonowal.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, "This year's budget is an attempt by the government to secure the social and economic might of the citizens of India. With inclusivity as its core principle, the budget aims at setting the vital foundation to secure the objective of an Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047 - a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From being the 10th largest economy when Modi ji assumed the Prime Minister's office in 2014, it is a matter of pride for all of India that we have climbed five spots to become the fifth largest economy in this short duration of time. In order to continue this historic transformation, the budget lays down core principles like inclusive development, reaching the last mile, infrastructure investment, unleashing the potential, green growth, youth power, and economic development to lay down the foundation for a robust journey of India during this Amrit Kaal and attain our goal of becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat - self-sufficient India by 2047."

Highlighting the special focus for the development of the Northeast, Sonowal said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Northeast India has emerged as one of the brightest spots in the country. Dubbed as the new engine of growth for India by Modi ji, the handsome budgetary allocation to various schemes and initiatives for the development of the region is a true reflection of that belief. The budget allocated to Ministry of DoNER has almost doubled from Rs 2755 crores in FY 2022-23 to Rs 5892 crores in FY 2023-24."

Responding to the criticism of the opposition parties, Sonowal retorted, "Despite the huge opportunity to govern this wonderful country of ours for more than six decades since independence, the inherent weakness of the Congress party - to have the right policy, to have the proper planning, to have the character – failed. To serve a country like India, one must have national character, which must be built and honed with utmost honesty and dedication, with a clear goal to strengthen, build and serve the nation."

He also apprised about the journey of 'Ganga Vilas' as it entered Bangladesh. The world's longest river cruise is set to enter Dhubri in Assam on February 18. During its course in Assam, the tourists may be visiting at least 8 spots to experience the culture and heritage of Assam. The culmination of this historic cruise, ferrying 32 foreign tourists, is likely on March 1 at Dibrugarh where it will drop anchor.