National Desk, 1st February: In a departure from traditional socio-economic classifications, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s fiscal year 2024 Budget speech highlights the Indian government’s redefined focus on the nation’s “four major castes” — the poor (‘Garib’), women (‘Mahilayen’), youth (‘Yuva’), and farmers (‘Annadata’).
These categories, not based on the conventional caste system, represent pivotal segments crucial to India’s development. Sitharaman emphasizes their central role in the nation’s progress, making their needs, aspirations, and welfare the government’s highest priority.
The approach aims at fostering inclusive and equitable development, reflecting a form of ‘secularism in action’ and prioritizing social justice as a tangible governance model. The budget reflects this focus through initiatives empowering these key demographics, signaling a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and achieving socio-economic transformation.
The government’s vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047 is outlined, aligning economic policies with growth, inclusive development, and opportunities for all citizens.