The anticipation for Budget 2024 is building as the date approaches for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the financial blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year. This budget is particularly significant, given the economic challenges and opportunities facing the country. Here’s everything you need to know about the Budget 2024 presentation, including how to watch it live, what to expect, and the key expectations from various sectors.

Budget Session for FY2024-25 Begins Today

The Budget session for the fiscal year 2024-25 kicks off today, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched events in the economic calendar. This session will include discussions and deliberations on various financial policies and proposals that will shape the country’s economic future.

Budget 2024 Date and Time: When Will Budget 2024 Be Presented?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2024 on February 1st, 2024. The presentation will commence at 11:00 AM IST. The speech typically lasts for around two hours, during which the Finance Minister will outline the government’s financial strategy, expenditure plans, and revenue projections.

How to Watch Budget LIVE

For those interested in watching the Budget 2024 presentation live, there are several options available:

1. Television Broadcast: Major news channels, both in English and regional languages, will provide live coverage of the budget presentation.
2. Online Streaming: The official YouTube channels of the Ministry of Finance and other government portals will stream the event live.
3. Social Media: Updates and live streams will also be available on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where you can follow the Ministry of Finance and other official accounts for real-time updates.

What to Expect from Budget 2024

Budget 2024 is expected to address a wide range of economic issues and lay down a roadmap for sustained growth. Here are some of the key areas to watch out for:

1. Economic Recovery: Measures to bolster economic recovery post-pandemic, focusing on job creation, investment incentives, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
2. Infrastructure Development: Significant allocations for infrastructure projects, including transportation, urban development, and rural infrastructure, to spur economic growth and create employment opportunities.
3. Healthcare and Education: Enhanced funding for healthcare and education sectors to improve accessibility, quality, and infrastructure in these critical areas.
4. Tax Reforms: Possible changes in tax slabs, simplification of tax processes, and introduction of new tax incentives to boost compliance and ease the burden on taxpayers.
5. Agriculture and Rural Development: Initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, improving rural livelihoods, and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Budget 2024: What Are the Key Expectations

Various sectors have outlined their expectations from Budget 2024. Here are some of the key demands:

1. Corporate Sector: Reduction in corporate tax rates, incentives for startups, and measures to enhance ease of doing business.
2. Banking and Finance: Reforms to strengthen the banking sector, measures to tackle non-performing assets (NPAs), and initiatives to boost digital banking and financial inclusion.
3. Real Estate: Incentives for affordable housing, reduction in GST rates on construction materials, and policies to revive the real estate sector.
4. Technology and Innovation: Increased funding for research and development, support for emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, and policies to promote tech startups.
5. Environment and Sustainability: Initiatives to promote renewable energy, measures to combat climate change, and policies to encourage sustainable practices across industries.

Conclusion

As we approach the presentation of Budget 2024, the expectations and anticipation are high. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcements will be crucial in setting the economic agenda for the next fiscal year and addressing the pressing needs of various sectors. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or citizen, staying informed about the budget’s proposals and implications is essential. Make sure to tune in to the live coverage on February 1st to catch all the updates and insights.