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The NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed its first 100 days in power, marking a historic third term. This period has seen the launch of projects worth a staggering Rs 15 lakh crore, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, supporting farmers, bolstering the middle class, and empowering women and minorities. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening the Indian economy and improving the lives of its citizens.
One of the key pillars of the government's agenda has been infrastructure development. Projects worth Rs 3 lakh crore have been approved in the first 100 days, focusing on roads, railways, ports, and airways. This includes the approval of eight national high-speed road corridor projects spanning over 900 kilometers, aiming to improve connectivity and facilitate economic growth. The government has also secured the approval of the Wadhavan Mega Port in Maharashtra, which, with an estimated cost of Rs 76,200 crore, promises to be among the top 10 ports globally. The foundation stone of the Shinkhun-La Tunnel, connecting Ladakh with Himachal Pradesh, has been laid, signifying the government's commitment to improving infrastructure in strategically important regions.
The welfare of farmers has also been a priority. The 17th installment of the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi was released, distributing Rs 20,000 crore to 9.3 crore farmers. To date, a total of Rs 3 lakh crore has been distributed to over 12 crore farmers under this scheme. Furthermore, the Minimum Support Price for Kharif crops for the 2024-25 season has been increased, benefiting 12 crore farmers with an estimated Rs 2 lakh crore in support. These measures aim to provide financial security and boost agricultural productivity, ensuring the well-being of a critical sector of the Indian population.
The government has taken significant steps to ease the burden on the middle class. Income tax has been abolished for earnings up to Rs 7 lakh, allowing salaried individuals to save up to Rs 17,500 in taxes. The standard deduction has been increased to Rs 75,000, and the exemption limit for family pensions has been raised to Rs 25,000. The government has also announced a comprehensive review of income tax rules within six months, with the aim of making them simpler and easier to understand. These measures aim to provide relief to the middle class and boost consumer spending.
In the realm of women's empowerment, the government has awarded certificates to 11 lakh new 'Lakhpati Didis', individuals who earn over Rs 1 lakh annually. This signifies the government's commitment to promoting financial independence among women. The MUDRA loan scheme has been expanded, increasing the maximum loan amount from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, providing greater access to capital for women entrepreneurs. These initiatives aim to empower women economically and enable them to participate more actively in the nation's development.
The empowerment of minorities and tribal communities has also been a focus. The Prime Minister's Developed Tribal Village Campaign has identified 63,000 tribal villages for development, aiming to improve the socio-economic conditions of approximately 5 crore tribal people. The Namaste scheme has been expanded to include waste pickers alongside sanitation workers, promoting their social and economic inclusion. These initiatives aim to address historical inequalities and promote inclusive development.
The first 100 days have also witnessed significant reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business. Measures include the abolishment of the angel tax and reductions in corporate tax, encouraging investment and entrepreneurship. A Rs 1000-crore venture capital fund has been established to support startups in the space sector, promoting innovation and technological advancement. The GENESIS programme has been approved to provide support to startups in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in smaller towns.
Youth empowerment and skill development have been identified as critical areas for future growth. The government has announced a Rs 2 lakh crore package to promote these areas, aiming to benefit 41 million youth over the next five years. Over 15,000 new government appointments have been announced, and first-time employees covered under EPFO will receive an incentive of up to Rs 15,000 in three installments. These initiatives aim to equip the youth with the necessary skills and opportunities to contribute to India's economic growth.
The government has also taken steps to strengthen healthcare services. The Ayushman Bharat Scheme has been expanded to include all citizens aged 70 and above, offering free insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh. An additional 75,000 medical seats have been added, aiming to improve the healthcare system and reduce dependence on foreign medical education. The National Medical Commission is working on creating a National Medical Register, a centralized repository of doctors in India. These initiatives aim to improve access to quality healthcare and strengthen the medical infrastructure in India.
Source: Women, youth, minorities, farmers: Focus of first 100 days of Modi 3.0