How the nation is going towards achieving the ambition of “transform, energize and clean India” through budgetary measures. Discuss.

The intended objective to “transform, energize and clean India” was mainly propounded during the declaration of the Union Budget 2017-18. The then finance minister announced the intension of the government to transform the quality of governance and quality of life of our people; energize the sections of the society focusing the youth and the vulnerable in order to unleash their true potential and clean the country from corruption, black money reserve, and illegal political funding.

Key budgetary measures

• In the 2017 union budget restricted the transaction of cash above 3 lakhs with some certain exceptions. In order to bring transparency in electoral funding, the maximum donation had been fixed to 2000 rupees in cash per person. The cash transaction limit was reduced to Rs. 2 lakh from Rs. 3 lakh. Aadhaar card became mandatory for IT returns filing.
• In the 2018-19 budget, the rollout of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) regime in India was significant to cease tax evasion. Ayushman Bharat scheme was announced. A special scheme was formulated to tackle the air pollution problem in Delhi.
• In the Union budget of 2019, the proposed plan includes achieving green Mother Earth and Blue Skies through a pollution-free India; Self-sufficiency and export of food-grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables; Launching Gaganyan, Chandrayan, other Space and Satellite programs; Making Digital India reach every sector of the economy. Building physical and social infrastructure; a vision to become a 3 Trillion USD economy.
• In the union budget 2020, significant allocations have been made in the power and renewable energy sectors. The other measures include the “Blue Economy” initiative, the Increase of India’s national gas grid, policy formation for data center construction, and for National Logistics.

Comment

It is quite clear, though the idea of “transform, energize and clean India” was adopted in the Union budget of 2017-18, over the years all budgetary measure has taken significant steps for the effective implementation of the vision. Apart from that the Swachh Bharat Mission and India’s international tie-up for pollution control clearly denotes India is on its way of becoming a transformed, energized and clean Nation.