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Q.One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyze the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective?

UPSC Mains 2017•Economy

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Introduction

The Union Budget 2017-18 was presented with the core theme of "Transform, Energize, and Clean India" (TEC India), aiming to catalyze economic growth while addressing key social and environmental challenges through targeted measures.

Body Analysis

Measures Proposed in Budget 2017-18 to Achieve the Objective

1. Transforming India

  • Infrastructure Development:
    • The budget allocated ₹3.96 lakh crore for infrastructure (roads, railways, airports). For instance, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) received ₹19,000 crore to boost rural connectivity.
  • Digital Economy:
    • Allocated ₹10,000 crore for the BharatNet project to provide high-speed broadband to over 1.5 lakh gram panchayats. Promoted digital payments via tax incentives and the launch of the BHIM app.
  • Housing for All:
    • Reaffirmed commitment by granting infrastructure status to affordable housing projects, making them eligible for financial benefits and easier credit.

2. Energizing India

  • Power Sector Reforms:
    • Allocated ₹4,000 crore for Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) to ensure 100% village electrification by 2018. Supported Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) to improve the financial health of power distribution companies.
  • Renewable Energy:
    • Allocated ₹5,473 crore to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Reinforced the target of installing 20,000 MW of solar power capacity, promoting rooftop solar and solar pumps.
  • Skill Development:
    • Proposed 100 India International Skill Centers to provide advanced training in sectors like renewable energy, construction, and manufacturing.

3. Cleaning India

  • Swachh Bharat Mission:
    • Increased allocation to ₹19,248 crore, focusing on sanitation, waste management, and making India Open Defecation Free (ODF). Proposed constructing 50 lakh individual household toilets and 1 lakh community toilets.
  • Clean Energy Cess:
    • Renamed Clean Energy Cess on coal to Clean Environment Cess and increased it to ₹400 per tonne to fund environmental initiatives.
  • Pollution Control:
    • Incentivized electric and hybrid vehicles, and increased investment in urban public transport.
  • Ganga Rejuvenation:
    • Allocated ₹2,250 crore to the Namami Gange program for sewage treatment, river surface cleaning, and rural sanitation.

Conclusion

The Union Budget 2017-18 holistically targeted economic growth, energy access, and environmental sustainability to fulfill the TECI vision, reflecting the government's commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

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