In the 2024 Interim Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the government’s commitment to social justice, emphasizing the development of all castes with a focus on “poor, women, youth, and farmers,” as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government aims to ensure fair distribution of resources irrespective of social standing, marking a shift from traditional political slogans to a governance model focused on comprehensive and inclusive development.
Sitharaman highlighted various initiatives targeting these major castes, such as PM-Svanidhi for street vendors, PM-Jan Dhan accounts, PM-KISAN SAMMAN, Skill India Mission, and PM Mudra Yojana for start-up loans. While specific policies for marginalized groups were less prominent, she mentioned the PM-JANMAN program for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups and highlighted women’s reservation laws and the abolition of triple talaq.