Budget 2024 Live Updates: Amit Shah hails internship programme decision as 'game-changing move'

Budget 2024 Live Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2024 saw her announcing several key projects across agriculture, manufacturing and services sector. She also announced major changes in the capital gains tax regime and income tax regimes. “The people have given a unique opportunity to our government to take the country on the path of strong development and all-round prosperity. In the interim budget, we promised to present a detailed roadmap for our pursuit of ‘Viksit Bharat’,” FM Nirmala Sitharaman.She outlined nine key areas of focus for the government:Productivity and resilience in Agriculture Employment & Skilling Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice Manufacturing & Services Urban Development Energy Security Infrastructure Innovation, Research & DevelopmentNext Generation ReformsSitharaman also made significant announcements for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, including increased infrastructure investment and special financial assistance. The announcement encompasses human resource development, infrastructure, and the creation of economic opportunities to transform the eastern region of the country, which includes Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, into a driving force for achieving Viksit Bharat. Budget 2024 announced several measures on education and job creation.“This budget details some of the specific actions to be initiated in the current year towards fulfilment of these priorities with potential for transformative changes. The budget also covers some of the previously made announcements with an intent to strengthen them and step up their implementation for expediting our journey towards the goal of Viksit Bharat,” Sitharaman said.Furthermore, the government announced a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act to improve its clarity and readability. Sitharaman also announced changes to the new tax regime slabs and an increase in the standard tax deduction from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. Track TOI’s Budget 2024 live blog for insightful coverage on Budget 2024, FM Sitharaman’s key announcements and expert analysis.