New Delhi, February 1: Union Minister Piyush Goyal, in his Interim Budget 2019-20 speech on Friday, announced Rs 1330 Crore for the Mission for Protection and Empowerment for Women. The budget for the Mission this year is an increase of Rs 174 Crore over the revised estimates of 2018-19. According to an official press release, the government, while taking several welfare initiatives for women, has moved from ‘women’s development’ to ‘women-led development’ during the last 4.5 years. Highlights of the Interim Budget.

While presenting the Interim Budget 2019-20 in Parliament today, Goyal said that the Government embarked upon the programme to deliver 8 crore free LPG connections under the Ujjawala Yojana. He added saying that six crores connections have already been given and the remaining will get free gas connections by next year. “Ujjwala is a remarkable success story of our Government programme, defined by a bold yet practical Vision of responsible and compassionate leadership”, the Finance Minister said. Budget 2019: Sops For Farmers + Tax Relief to Middle Class = Another Term For Narendra Modi? 

In his Budget 2019 address, Goyal said that more than 70% of the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana are women who are getting affordable and collateral-free loans to start their own businesses. He added saying that this is not just an Interim Budget but a vehicle for the developmental transformation of the nation. Defence Budget Enhanced Beyond Rs 3 Lakh Crore, Says Piyush Goyal in Interim Budget.

Taking about several initiatives taken for women, Goyal highlighted the benefits of Maternity leave of 26 weeks and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana for pregnant women. He said that these initiatives have provided financial support to women while empowering them to participate in work.

Goyal announced a new Scheme called 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)'  to extend direct income support at the rate of Rs. 6,000 per year to farmer families, having cultivable land up to 2 hectares. The Finance Minister announced 2% interest subvention to the farmers pursuing the activities of animal husbandry and fisheries, who avail loan through Kisan Credit Card. Further, in case of timely repayment of the loan, they will also get an additional 3% interest subvention.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 01, 2019 01:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).