Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan stated that the historic Union Budget 2025-26 is a major step towards accelerating India’s growth, with a vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Addressing a press conference in Puducherry, he emphasized that zero poverty is a key goal of the budget. He stated that 25 crore people have been lifted out from below poverty line under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the latest budget will further strengthen this progress.
The minister highlighted India’s economic strides, surpassing UK to become the world’s fifth-largest economy, with projections to reach the third position by 2027. He underscored the budget’s strong push for agriculture, stating that it aims to position India as a food basket for the world. He also highlighted the government’s focus on transforming India into a global manufacturing hub under the ‘Make in India for the World’ vision. Dr. L. Murugan remarked that the allocation of ₹10,000 crore for Startups in the budget will enhance employment opportunities for youth across the country.
The minister also stressed on the budget plans to set up five nuclear reactors in India by 2033, with an investment of ₹20,000 crore, using indigenous reactors and private sector involvement, to achieve self-sufficiency in the power sector. The budget, he said, is inclusive and people-centric, with special provisions for women, youth, farmers, fishermen, and middle-class people. The Minister also detailed key budget allocations for Puducherry, including ₹3,432 crore under the Ministry of Home Affairs, ₹1,450 crore for JIPMER under the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, and ₹186.44 crore for water supply projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
He further noted the budget provisions for developing Puducherry, Karaikal, and Mahe railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme. Dr L. Murugan also expressed confidence that the revamped Pm Svanidhi scheme with enhanced loans announced in the budget will increase coverage to more street vendors in Puducherry. Puducherry Education Minister A. Namassivayam, Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister Sai J. Saravana Kumar, and Member of Parliament S. Selvaganapathy were also present at the press conference.
