Budget 2025: In her eighth consecutive Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled several key initiatives aimed at empowering the marginalised, including gig workers and students in government schools. As part of the vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ these proposals focus on enhancing access to education and social security benefits for the underprivileged. Let’s explore the key highlights of Budget 2025.
Empowering Gig Workers with Social Security and Benefits
One of the standout proposals in Budget 2025 is the provision of a social security scheme for gig workers. Recognising the growing gig economy, the government plans to provide online platform-based workers with ID cards through the e-Shram portal. Additionally, gig workers will be included under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana, extending crucial healthcare benefits. This initiative is expected to positively impact over 1 crore gig workers across the country.
Enhancing Education for Government School Students
Education was a major focus in this year's Budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced broadband connectivity for all government secondary schools, ensuring that students from government-run institutions have access to the same opportunities as their counterparts in private schools. This move is expected to open doors to new learning experiences and digital platforms, ensuring that no student is left behind in the age of technology.
Moreover, 50,000 Atal tinkering labs will be set up in schools across the country to encourage curiosity and innovation among students. The Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak scheme will be implemented to provide textbooks in local languages, ensuring that students can learn subjects in their own language for a better understanding.
Expanding Higher Education Capacity
To bolster the higher education sector, the government has announced plans to expand infrastructure in 5 IITs established after 2014. With the creation of additional facilities, these institutions will accommodate 6,500 more students, ensuring that more young minds have access to quality education in cutting-edge fields.