Union Budget 2025: A Historic Move Towards Economic Growth, Says Avinash Rai Khanna
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Former BJP MP and ex-state president Avinash Rai Khanna has hailed the Union Budget 2025 as historic emphasizing its focus on farmers, Scheduled Castes, traders, youth, women and entrepreneurs. Speaking to reporters, he highlighted that the budget presented by the Finance Minister reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary thinking and aims to strengthen India’s economic position globally. He pointed out that while earlier governments offered only Rs 2 lakh in income tax exemptions, the Modi government’s tax relief will significantly benefit the middle class enhancing their purchasing power and boosting the economy. The Dhan-Dhan Yojana and a six-year pulses mission have been introduced for farmers set to benefit 2 crore farmers. Additionally, the Kisan Credit Card limit has been increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh directly benefiting 24 lakh farmers in Punjab.
The budget also addresses Punjab’s struggling textile industry increasing duty on Chinese clothes by 20% to protect local businesses. MSMEs have been given a boost with higher loan guarantees and turnover limits while senior citizens receive relief with TDS exemptions. In the education sector, the increase in medical seats will bring 150 new seats to Punjab. Additionally, the state has been allocated an extra loan limit of Rs 2,300 crore for the power sector offering much-needed relief. The loan limit for street vendors has also been increased enabling poor families to expand their businesses. A major social empowerment initiative includes term loans up to Rs 2 crore for Scheduled Caste women reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusivity. Furthermore, 1 crore gig workers in India including e-commerce delivery employees will now be covered under the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme and Pension Scheme.
Khanna also highlighted other major schemes introduced in the budget such as Amrit Jal Yojana-2, Housing for the Poor and Expanded Air Services. He described this budget as highly beneficial for both India and Punjab ensuring the progress of all sections of society. Several prominent BJP leaders including District BJP President Ranjit Singh Khaujewal, former Union Minister Som Prakash, District General Secretary Rajiv Pahwa, Tejaswi Bhardwaj, Naresh Koutrani, Ashu Puri, Balwinder Thakur, Sunil Madan, Sunny Bains and Deepak Malhotra were present during the discussion.
