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For the social sector, it is old wine in an old bottle
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Context
The FY25 Union Budget has drawn criticism for maintaining nominal allocations across various social sectors despite highlighting youth, farmers, women, and the poor as primary focus groups. There is concern over the impact of these allocations on vulnerable populations and the effectiveness of government schemes.
Allocations in Social Sectors
- Education Sector: Nominal increases in school and higher education allocations amidst rising fees and self-financing trends.
- Health Sector: Minimal increment in health budget, raising concerns over adequate healthcare provisions and quality.
- MGNREGA and Food Subsidy: Stagnant allocations for MGNREGA and food subsidy despite increasing demand and economic cost pressures.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
- POSHAN Scheme: Marginal increase insufficient to match previous expenditure levels, impacting nutrition programs for school children.
- SakshamAnganwadi Scheme: Slight rise in allocation, but inadequate support for workers' salaries and supplementary nutrition.
- Samarthya Initiatives: Reduction in budget for maternity entitlements and social security pensions, highlighting neglect of vulnerable groups.
Shift towards Contributory Schemes and Privatization
- Contributory Schemes: Emphasis shifting towards schemes like Atal Pension Yojana, potentially neglecting non-contributory social security benefits.
- Privatization in Education and Health: Focus on cost-effectiveness and market principles, raising concerns about equity and accessibility of social services.
- Employment and Skilling: Limited budget allocation for PM's employment and skilling package, relying heavily on private sector response and CSR funds.
Mains Question:
Q. "Discuss the implications of nominal budget allocations in social sectors despite identified focus on youth, farmers, women, and the poor in the FY25 Union Budget. How far do these allocations reflect government priorities towards inclusive growth and welfare? Examine the potential socio-economic impacts of such budgetary decisions."
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