Down To Earth's Graphic Editor Sorit Gupto decodes the comparatives and superlatives of Union Budget 2020-21
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation will introduce a 'Krishi Udaan' scheme to help farmers export their produce internationally. Trouble is there is hardly any budgetary allocation for the scheme.
The FM proposed to expand the PM-Kusum scheme to provide 20 lakh farmers for setting up standalone solar pumps and 15 lakh farmers to solarise their grid-connected pump-sets. However, research by Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment has shown that solar pumps do not incentivise farmers.
Sitharaman announced that the government will sell a part of its holding in Life Insurance Corporation that is a repository of the life savings of millions of Indians.
Sitharaman also suggested closure of carbon-intensive coal power plants. However, mere suggestion may not work for these repeat offenders.
The minister also announced a 'new tax regime' even as the slowdown in the Indian economy continues.
Shockingly, the minister also announced that plans were afoot to kick start economic activity along river banks. Does that mean the floodplains of India's rivers are no longer safe?
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