BUDGET 2021 AT A GLANCE FOR EDUCATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECTOR

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget in the backdrop of Covid pandemic, a once in a century crisis, with the theme of resilience and self-reliance.  Considering the Covid crisis has impacted lesser fortunate sections of society disproportionately, the government has made adequate expenditure outlay in the sectors impacting them. The health, education and social sector allocation has increased significantly. Here is a snapshot for each sector:

HEALTH AND WELFARE SECTOR:

• Overall allocation of Rs 2,23,846 crore (1.8% of GDP up from 1.5% last year)

• ‘PM Atmanirbhar Swastha Bharat Yojna’ will be launched with an outlay of Rs 64,180 crore over six years.

• Pneumococcal vaccine, a made in India products, will be rolled out across India

• Government to launch Mission Poshan 2.0.

• Jal Jeevan Mission Urban will be launched

• Rs 35,000 crore announced for Covid-19 vaccine

EDUCATION SECTOR:

• Outlay increase to 3.5% of GDP from 3% last year

• Hundred new Sainik Schools to be established

• 750 Eklavya schools in tribal areas

• National language translation mission

• Revamped post matric scholarship scheme for welfare of SCs

• National Education Mission outlay increased to Rs 34,300 crore from Rs 28,244 crore

SOCIAL SECTOR

• Additional allocation to MGNREGS

• Technology driven education: PM e-Vidya, a National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission

• National Digital Health Blueprint

• One nation – one card

• Free food grain supply to migrants

• PM Garib Kalyan Yojna