Budget 2025: Finance Minister Announces Broadband Expansion for Rural Schools and Health Centers

NEW DELHI: In her eighth consecutive Budget presentation, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to expand broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools and primary health centers in rural areas.

This initiative is designed to bridge the digital gap by providing better access to online learning for students and improving healthcare services in remote areas. It aims to enhance both education and healthcare quality across rural India, ensuring better connectivity and resources.

Nirmala Sitharaman also announced the introduction of a new income tax bill next week as part of the Union Budget 2025. The new bill aims to simplify the calculation and filing of income tax returns, making the process easier for taxpayers.

One of the key highlights of the new tax structure is the removal of taxes on income up to Rs 12 lakh, which will significantly reduce the tax burden on the middle class. Additionally, salaried individuals will benefit from a standard deduction of Rs 75,000, which means there will be no tax liability on incomes up to Rs 12.75 lakh.

Sitharaman also updated the progress of the SWAMIH 2 Investment Fund, which has already completed over 50,000 dwelling units in stressed housing projects, with keys handed over to home buyers. Another 40,000 units are expected to be ready by 2025, for which the government has allocated Rs 15,000 crore.

Furthermore, the Finance Minister announced the removal of seven tariff rates carried over from previous budgets, leaving only eight tariff rates. She also projected the fiscal deficit for FY25 at 4.8% and 4.4% for FY26, underlining the government's focus on fiscal consolidation.

Also Read:

Also Watch: