Budget Report Card

Rural DevelopmentMGNREGA is crucial for tackling rural distress, but despite a 46 per cent increase in budgetary allocation since 2014-15, issues like delayed wages and wage seekers not finding employment continue to dwarf the scheme’s efficiency

Agriculture and Farmers' WelfareIf Government wants to double farmers’ income by 2022, it has to focus on National Mission on Horticulture as the sector can generate 8 million additional employment opportunities for farmers

Drinking Water and SanitationA 35 per cent decline in allocation for National Rural Drinking Water Programme does not augur well with the country’s Sustainable Development Goal of achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030

EducationWhile child malnutrition remains one of the most important risk factors in India, according to the Economic Survey 2017-18, the allocation for mid-day meal scheme—a crucial nutritional support programme—deserves a better deal.

Environment and Climate ChangeBudgetary allocation for National Climate Action Plan has decreased by a staggering 70 per cent even as the Economic Survey 2017-18 predicts 20-25 per cent dip in farm incomes in the medium term due to climate change impacts

HealthWhile the budgetary allocation for the National Health Mission has seen a 37 per cent rise since 2014-15, a larger pie has gone to the National Rural Health Mission, with no significant increase in allocation for the National Urban Health Mission.

New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)While Off Grid and Decentralised Renewable Power can help the Government achieve universal electrification under the SAUBHAGYA scheme by December 2018, the sector gets only 5-10 per cent of the total budgetary allocation for the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Urban DevelopmentMore than 300 per cent increase in allocation for AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission calls for effective monitoring of the programmes and participatory role of the States