Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1st, 2020 said that the government will run Kisan Rail for the farmers through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) financing model as part of Modi government’s 16-point plan to improve the farm sector.
While presenting the second general budget of the second term of the Modi government, Sitharaman also mentioned that Kisan Udaan (Flight Services) will also be started.
While presenting Budget for 2020-21, the Minister said that the Indian Railways will set up Kisan Rail through PPP financing model arrangement, for transportation of perishable goods.
“Krishi Udaan under aviation ministry on international and national routes will help value realisation in the Northeast and tribal belts,” she said.
This is Sitharaman’s second Budget and speculations are rife that the Union Finance Minister would announce robust measures put the Indian economy on the path for achieving the target of USD 5 trillion economy by 2025.
The Union Minister also mentioned that her government is committed to double farmer income by 2022. She informed that a total of 6.11 crore farmers are insured under Fasal Bima Yojna.
“For sector comprising agriculture, allied activities, irrigation and rural development, an allocation of Rs 2.83 lakh crore have been made for 2020-21,” Finance Minister Sitharaman said.
The Union Finance Minister mentioned that more Tejas-like trains will be introduced to connect tourist destinations. Large solar power capacity to be set up alongside rail tracks, on land owned by Railways.
“1,150 trains will run under the PPP mode, also four stations will be redeveloped with the help of the private sector,” she said.
The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will be completed by 2023, Sitharaman said.
Photo credit: womenandhealthcommission.org
