India achieves ‘Aatmanirbharta’ across all sectors, outlines 3 Kartavyas: Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared Sunday that India has achieved a state of "Aatmanirbharta," or self-reliance, across all sectors despite a volatile global landscape, as she laid out a fiscal roadmap aimed at transforming the nation into a developed economy by 2047.

Delivering her ninth consecutive Union Budget, the 15th for the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha that the administration has prioritised stability and long-term growth over temporary measures.

"Our government has decisively and consistently chosen action over ambivalence, and we have pursued far-reaching structural reforms, fiscal prudence and monetary stability, while maintaining a strong thrust on public investment," the Finance Minister said.

Addressing the current geopolitical climate, Sitharaman warned that international trade and multilateral cooperation are "imperilled," while access to critical supply chains remains under threat. She noted that while emerging technologies are reshaping global production, they are also straining resources such as water, energy, and minerals.

"India will continue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion," she said.

Sitharaman noted that the fiscal plan is guided by three core "kartavyas," or duties:

• Economic Acceleration: Enhancing competitiveness to sustain growth.
• Public Aspiration: Meeting the socioeconomic goals of the population.
• Inclusive Access: Ensuring every region and community has access to resources and opportunities.

Marking a historic first for any female finance minister, Sitharaman’s ninth presentation arrives during the second full budget cycle of the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) third term.

In a move to increase civic engagement, the Finance Minister will host a post-budget interaction with 30 college students from across India. These students are currently viewing the proceedings live from the Lok Sabha Gallery. Officials noted that the budget includes specific proposals shaped by feedback collected from the nation’s youth and general citizenry.

With inputs from IANS