In a strategic move aimed at reaffirming the government’s commitment to specific demographics, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, through the Interim Budget 2024, spotlighted the empowerment of four key groups—women, youth, farmers, and the poor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has aptly referred to these constituencies as the “four castes,” acknowledging their influential role in shaping electoral outcomes and making them focal points in political strategies.
Empowering the Key Constituencies:
Sitharaman, in her budget speech, reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of these four groups. By emphasizing increased spending and policy decisions tailored to their needs, the government aims to secure their support in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The alignment of political strategies with these constituencies showcases their pivotal role in shaping the political landscape.
Ideological Concerns Addressed:
Beyond addressing specific demographics, Sitharaman also touched upon an ideological concern—India’s growing population. The FM highlighted the government’s ambition to develop a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047 and stressed the importance of enhancing people’s capabilities and empowering them to achieve this goal.
Population Challenges and High-Powered Committee:
Acknowledging the challenges posed by population explosion and demographic changes, Sitharaman announced the formation of a high-powered committee. This committee will be tasked with extensively considering these challenges and providing recommendations to address them comprehensively, aligning with the vision of a developed India.
RSS Influence and Uniform Population Policy:
The ideological underpinning of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) becomes evident as the government, in line with its vision, addresses population-related concerns. The RSS has been advocating for a unified population policy across castes, groups, and faiths—a concept akin to a unified civil code.
Modi’s Historical Reference:
Prime Minister Modi’s historical reference to the challenges posed by population explosion during his Independence Day address in 2019 reinforces the government’s commitment to addressing this critical issue. Modi highlighted the need to confront challenges head-on, emphasizing the impact of unchecked population growth on the future generations of the country.
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