The Union Budget 2009-10 presented by the Finance Minister of India, Pranab Mukherjee, proved to be a ‘populist’ one. The Finance Minister promised to halve the poverty by 2014 as he laid focus on employment, infrastructure and agriculture.
The Finance Minister declared new incentives for farmers, 45 percent jump in funds for Bharat Nirman, India’s flagship rural reconstruction development program, development of the urban areas and revival of the divestment program. He also announced that the National Food Security Act will come into effect soon thus providing the poor with 25 kg of rice per month at Rs. 3 per kg. The Finance Minister also announced that a new insurance plan will be enacted for those living below poverty line.
The income tax exemption limit was hiked by Rs15,000 for the senior citizens whereas for the women, the exemption limit was hiked by Rs.10,000. The Finance Minister also promised to abolish the Fringe Benefit Tax or FBT thus bringing a sigh of relief for the corporates.
Pranab Mukherjee, while praising the Late. Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi declared that the UPA government is likely to push an agenda which will ensure 12 million new jobs each year thus reducing the poverty by 2014. “The first challenge is to bring back the GDP (gross domestic product) growth rate to 9 percent per year,” quips Mukherjee as he presented the Union Budget in the Parliament.
The Financial Minister also stated that the farm loan waiver are to be increased by six months. As per this years budget Rs.3937 crore will be allotted for the development of the urban areas. National Mission for Female Literacy is to be launched.
“Aam admi is the main concern for our programs and schemes,” wounds up Mukherjee.

Sources:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Budget-Cheap-food-for-poor-12m-new-jobs-each-year/articleshow/4744037.cms