The government is launching targeted national missions to achieve self-sufficiency ('Atmanirbarta') in key commodities like pulses and to improve cotton productivity. These efforts are complemented by a district-level program (PM Dhan Dhania Krishiyojana) and a rural prosperity initiative to enhance farmer incomes, improve infrastructure, and create non-farm employment.
The budget provides substantial support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the startup ecosystem. Key measures include increasing investment limits for MSME classification, doubling credit guarantee covers, and establishing a new Fund of Funds to catalyze private investment.
A multi-pronged approach is being taken to strengthen domestic manufacturing, combining direct support schemes for labor-intensive sectors like footwear and toys with strategic tariff adjustments. The National Manufacturing Mission will specifically support clean technology, while customs duty changes are designed to encourage local production of electronics, EV batteries, and other critical goods.
The budget introduces a significant overhaul of the personal income tax regime, raising the tax-free income limit to 12 lakh rupees to increase disposable income for the middle class. Concurrently, procedural reforms like rationalizing TDS/TCS and setting time limits for customs assessments aim to simplify compliance and improve the overall business environment.
The government is allocating significant resources to build a future-ready workforce and a digitally connected nation. Initiatives include establishing 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, creating a Center of Excellence in AI for Education, expanding medical education seats, and providing broadband to all rural primary health centers and secondary schools.
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