I am happy that the Union Budget for the financial year 2022-23 emphasises on key sectors such as education, health, infrastructure and MSMEs, thus focussing on growth and inclusive development. Announcements like a digital university for providing online education in multiple languages, digital ecosystem for skilling and livelihood—the DESH-Stack e portal that aims at empowering citizens to skill, reskill or upskill through online training, setting up of 750 virtual labs in science and mathematics, and 75 skilling e-labs for simulated learning environment showcases the intent of the government towards further augmentations and developments the skilling ecosystem and the education domain.
I appreciate that Startups have been encouraged through various measures – extending tax benefits for a year, earmarking 25 per cent of defence R&D budget for the industry – the vision has rightly focussed on building an environ which fortifies innovation, enterprise, academia and inclusive welfare. Interlinking of Udyam, e-Shram, NCS and ASEEM portals, and the extension of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) for one more year and expansion in its guarantee cover is further intended to formalise the economy and enhance entrepreneurial opportunities. All in all, I look forward to India gaining pace as an entrepreneurial nation.
