ASSESSING THE FARM, SOCIAL SECTORS

The boostfor the farm and the social sectors in the interim Budgetcomes with certain riders. Experts atPwCIndia decode the impactofthe measures proposed for these sectors

Stagnant allocation of~60,000 crore for MGNREGA

Impact:

Lower achievement of targeted person-days

The outlay has to be hiked during the year or the target persondays has to be reduced

Concerns: Measure:

Increased allocation to Ayushman Bharat

Impact:

Increase in beneficiaries

Concerns:

■ Adequacy of Budget outlay in the event of accelerated enrolment

Measure:

Pradhan Mantri Shram-Yogi Maandhan Yojana Widening the ambit of social security net for unorganised marginal wagers

Impact: Concerns:

■ How the discontinuity in payments is treated

■ Low interest amongst workers due to large premium paying duration

Measure:

National Programme on Artificial Intelligence

Impact:

Greater preparedness to address disruptions

Scale of investment and capability dictate that it should be done in partnership with private partners

Increased allocation to National Education Mission

Improvement in quality of education

Concerns: Measure: Impact: Concerns:

■ While school education seems to have received adequate outlays, there is no clarity on the much-needed reforms in higher education