Finance Minister Sitharaman Unveils Internet Initiatives for Government Schools and Gig Workers' Social Security
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In her eighth Union Budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman announced significant measures for gig workers and educational improvements in government schools, including broadband access and social security plans.
Key Takeaways
- Broadband connectivity for all government secondary schools.
- Establishment of 50,000 Atal tinkering labs.
- Implementation of the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak scheme.
- Social security for gig workers with healthcare benefits.
- Revamping of the PM SVANidhi scheme for street vendors.
New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) In her eighth consecutive Union Budget presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed a comprehensive range of initiatives focused on aiding the underprivileged and marginalized communities, particularly gig workers. Her vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’ encompasses a social security framework for gig workers and a significant effort to bridge the educational divides in government schools.
She declared that broadband connectivity would be extended to all government secondary schools, a step aimed at aligning students with their private school peers and unlocking new avenues for their future.
“A total of 50,000 Atal tinkering labs will be established in schools to cultivate curiosity and a scientific mindset. Broadband connectivity will be implemented in all government secondary schools,” she stated.
“We aim to roll out the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak scheme, which will assist students in comprehending subjects in their native languages,” she added.
The Finance Minister also emphasized the importance of enhancing the capacity of higher education institutions.
“We will create additional infrastructure in 5 IITs established after 2014 to accommodate 6,500 students,” announced Sitharaman.
Furthermore, she introduced a social security initiative for gig workers.
The Finance Minister noted that gig workers operating on online platforms would receive ID cards through the e-Shram portal and would also benefit from healthcare services under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana. This initiative is anticipated to assist around 1 crore gig workers.
The PM SVANidhi scheme, aimed at supporting street vendors, will undergo a revamp featuring improved loan options from banks and UPI-linked credit cards with a limit of Rs 30,000.
Previously, the Finance Minister reiterated the government's commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the GYAN (Garib, Yuva, Annadata, and Nari shakti) which includes the poor, farmers, women, and youth.
