Page 20 - NIS English 16-31 February,2023

COVER STORY

First General Budget of Amrit Kaal

3 INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENT

ASPIRATIONAL INDIA TO GET NEXT-GENERATION

INFRASTRUCTURE

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus
has been on multi-modal connectivity
and infrastructure to make life easier.
Whether it is the new generation Vande
Bharat train or greenfield airports and
world-class facilities in railways, the
growing network of metro trains, or the
Ganga Vilas cruise, aspirational India
wants next-generation infrastructure
in every sector. Determined to meet
these expectations of a new India, the
government has increased investment in infrastructure by 400% in the
last 9 years despite economic constraints in the global pandemic. This
time, about 33% more than the revised estimate of last year, 10 lakh
crore rupees will be spent on capital investment.

The government's 10th budget and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's 5th budget
focussed on development. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has included infrastructure
and investment in the seven priorities of Amrit Kaal. The government will spend Rs 13.7
lakh crore, including grants-in-aid for the creation of capital assets worth Rs 3.7 lakh crore,
to enhance infrastructure and production capacity. Out of this, about Rs 2.5 lakh crore will
be spent this year on the construction of roads and bridges. The Government believes that
investment in these sectors has a multi-dimensional impact on growth and employment.

18 New India Samachar February 16-28, 2023