Haryana NEWS : The Union Jal Shakti Minister, Sh. C.R. Patil, while addressing a press conference today, stated that significant steps are being taken to improve groundwater levels in Haryana’s dark zone blocks. He emphasized the central government’s commitment to water conservation and recharge initiatives in collaboration with the Haryana government.
He highlighted that around 150 districts across the country have blocks classified as dark zones due to declining groundwater levels, with Haryana among them. The Jal Shakti Ministry aims to bring these areas out of the dark zone category through rainwater conservation, which requires active public participation, he added.
Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, Director General of the Information, Public Relations, Languages, and Culture Department, Sh. K.M. Pandurang, and Media Secretary, Sh. Praveen Atrey, were also present at the event.
Major Budget Allocations for Haryana
Sh. C.R. Patil shared that in the Union Budget 2024, Haryana has been allocated approximately ₹76,000 crore for development projects, along with ₹78,000 crore in grants, significantly boosting the state’s progress. He compared this to the pre-2014 government, where Haryana received only ₹19,000 crore in the central budget and ₹21,000 crore in grants.
Direct Benefits to Farmers Under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
He also mentioned that 13.8 lakh farmers in Haryana are directly benefiting from the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, while nationwide, over 9.58 crore farmers are availing the scheme. Additionally, ₹3,416 crore has been allocated in the railway budget to strengthen Haryana’s rail network, with 14 new projects covering a total of 1,195 km currently underway. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 34 railway stations in Haryana are being upgraded with a budget of ₹1,149 crore.
A Budget for Inclusive Welfare
The Union Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Budget 2024 ensures the welfare of all sections of society.
Providing relief to the middle class, income up to 12 lakh has been made tax-free, benefiting around 7 crore taxpayers. This move is expected to enhance purchasing power, drive market demand, and support industrial growth.
India’s Economic Growth Vision
Sh. C.R. Patil noted that in 2014, India ranked as the 11th largest economy in the world. Over the past decade, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has progressed to the fifth-largest economy. The goal for the Prime Minister’s third term is to make India the third-largest economy, and continuous efforts are being made toward achieving this milestone.
Key Agricultural and Rural Development Initiatives
The budget prioritizes rural and agricultural development, focusing on 100 low-productivity districts and encouraging the cultivation of pulses like toor and masoor. The agricultural loan limit has been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Furthermore, ₹20,000 crore has been allocated to support startups.
Investments in Education, Healthcare, and Water Infrastructure
The budget sets a goal to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Laboratories in government schools over the next five years. Broadband connectivity will be extended to all government secondary schools and primary health centers in rural areas. Additionally, 200 daycare cancer centers will be set up in district hospitals this year.
The Jal Shakti Ministry has been allocated 67,000 crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring access to clean drinking water.
