finance
The Union Budget 2022-23 highlights significant allocations and plans for various development initiatives aimed at empowering citizens, particularly the marginalized. This year, a total of Rs. 60,000 crore has been earmarked for the Har Ghar, Nal Se Jal Scheme, which aims to provide tap water to approximately 3.8 crore households.
Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced that since 2014, the government has prioritized the empowerment of the poor and marginalized. Currently, around 8.7 crore households have been provided access to water under the Har Ghar, Nal Se Jal Scheme, with 5.5 crore of these households receiving tap water in the last two years alone.
In addition to water accessibility, an allocation of Rs. 48,000 crore has been announced for the completion of 80 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for identified eligible beneficiaries in both rural and urban areas. The Central Government will collaborate with state governments to reduce the time required for land and construction-related approvals, thereby promoting affordable housing for the middle class and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in urban settings. Efforts will also be made to engage financial sector regulators to enhance capital access and lower intermediary costs.
Under the new Vibrant Villages Programme, border villages with sparse populations and limited infrastructure will be a focal point for development. The programme aims to:
The Finance Minister emphasized that additional funding will be allocated for these initiatives, with existing schemes being converged to define and monitor their outcomes consistently.
The 2022-23 Aspirational Districts Programme will shift its focus to blocks that have lagged in key developmental areas. Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman noted that while 95 percent of the 112 districts identified have made significant progress in sectors like health, nutrition, financial inclusion, and infrastructure, some blocks still require targeted attention to ensure equitable growth.
This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for citizens in underdeveloped regions, with a particularly focused strategy on the blocks falling behind.