Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the last full-fledged Union Budget of the Narendra Modi-led government before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on Wednesday. While the budget had a mixed reaction, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, through a press release, stated that the budget is beneficial for the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region. He asserted that the centre will undertake the development of tourism infrastructure and amenities in border villages through the Vibrant Villages Programme.
The MP’s statement read:
“This budget is particularly beneficial for our Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region, as the Central Govt will undertake the development of tourism infrastructure and amenities in border villages through the Vibrant Villages Programme. The Central Government has proposed to develop at least 50 tourist destinations as a complete package for domestic and foreign tourists. I am most hopeful that our region will feature among those 50 destinations. Tourism industry related skilling and entrepreneurship will also be developed to complement the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative for tourism. Increased allocation for agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, fisheries and dairy industry will help transform the agro-dairy-fisheries sector in our region. Moreover, our Govt seems to transform India into a global hub for millets. Farmers in our region who grow Kodo, Fapar, Bajra, Jau etc will benefit greatly.
Overall this budget will tap into the immense economic potential of our great nation and unleash an era of economic prosperity for every Indian citizen through innovation, digitalisation and the provisioning of equal opportunity for all.”