Shillong, Feb 13: Devesh Kumar, Member of Legislative Council (MLC) from Bihar and Convenor of the Budget Publicity Campaign for the North-East, on Thursday said the Union Budget reflects the BJP-led government’s long-term vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
Addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Nongbah here, Kumar stated that every Union Budget outlines the government’s priorities and roadmap for the country’s future growth.
He recalled the severe challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it resulted in significant loss of lives and widespread economic hardship. Despite the crisis, he said, the Centre ensured continued welfare support through measures such as free ration distribution and assistance programmes aimed at vulnerable sections of society.
Highlighting infrastructure development as a major focus, Kumar said capital expenditure has seen a sharp rise in recent years to strengthen public infrastructure, including roads, highways, housing and other development projects.
He pointed out that capital expenditure increased from ₹3.08 lakh crore in 2018–19 to ₹10.96 lakh crore last year, and has reached nearly ₹12 lakh crore in the current financial year. With global private investment slowing, he said the government has stepped up public spending to drive infrastructure growth.
Kumar said the Budget is guided by the principle of Antyodaya, aimed at ensuring that the poorest citizens benefit from development initiatives. According to him, the Finance Minister has outlined three key priorities — accelerating national growth, expanding economic opportunities, and ensuring inclusive development.
He further stated that the Budget promotes emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech and innovation, adding that strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced technologies is essential to achieving developed nation status by 2047.
Emphasising the importance of the North-East, Kumar said the Budget includes measures to boost industries, agriculture and allied activities in the region. “India cannot develop unless the North-East develops,” he said, reiterating the Prime Minister’s vision for balanced regional growth.
He concluded that the Union Budget would accelerate overall economic growth, improve infrastructure, and ensure inclusive and balanced development across the country, including Meghalaya and the wider North-Eastern region.
