"The Budget Session and Promoting Fiscal Discipline":

"The Budget Session and Promoting Fiscal Discipline":

Introduction

The annual Union Budget presentation is undoubtedly one of the most important parliamentary events in India. As the government lays out its economic agenda and planned fiscal policies for the coming year, the budget session provides a pivotal opportunity to shape the country's development trajectory. With India now the world's fifth largest economy and poised to continue its ascent, the policy choices made hold significance not just domestically but globally. 

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rises in Parliament to present Budget 2024-25, the economic context she must navigate is challenging yet hopeful. Having displayed remarkable resilience in recovering from the COVID-19 shock, India once again faces turbulence arising from global headwinds. Inflation remains elevated, requiring delicate handling of fiscal and monetary policies. However, if prudence and care for the common citizen is prioritized, India can thrive in the post-pandemic era through stable, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Promoting Fiscal Discipline 

A central theme for Budget 2024-25 must be promoting responsible fiscal discipline. This is imperative today given rising inflationary pressures and the risk of macroeconomic imbalances. Fiscal profligacy can quickly spiral into higher prices, falling rupee, widening current account deficit and lower investor confidence. However, fiscal consolidation policies must be just, equitable and not choke off economic recovery. 

Assessing India's Fiscal Trajectory

Over the past decade, India's fiscal deficit has ranged between 6-7% of GDP, higher than the target of 3%. While COVID necessitated additional spending, deficits are projected to fall to 5% by 2025. Central government debt is around 90% of GDP. However, India's debt profile is seen as sustainable by rating agencies, given high domestic ownership. Low tax to GDP ratio of about 17% constrains fiscal space.

Implications of High Deficits and Debt 

Persistently high fiscal deficits have implications like inflation, external imbalances, higher interest costs crowding out private investment and limiting development spending. Hence, a measured glide path for deficit reduction is needed. However, drastic austerity or spending cuts can derail growth. The key is judicious, transparent fiscal policies focused on quality of spending and boosting revenues. 

Approaches for Responsible Fiscal Consolidation

The budget must outline a prudent fiscal consolidation roadmap. Priority areas could include:

- Rationalizing subsidies, especially fuel and food, and channeling savings to productive capital spending

- Widening tax base and improving compliance, without increasing tax rates. Bringing more services under GST.

- Asset monetization program to unlock value from public sector assets

- Boosting tax revenue growth by sustaining economic momentum  

- Continuing reforms in areas like GST, direct benefit transfers to improve efficiency

- Transparent accounting, limiting off-budget expenditures and strengthening audits

Thus a balanced approach limiting wasteful expenses, improving compliance and asset utilization while supporting growth-focused expenditures is required. Open debate on priorities and trade-offs is essential for public buy-in.  

The budget session is the right forum for the government to signal its commitment to fiscal discipline and transparency. While economic growth cannot be sacrificed, prudent policies aligned with social justice can steady India's fiscal ship and set the stage for inclusive development.

 "Banking Reforms for Financial Inclusion":

Financial inclusion has made significant strides in India, yet gaps remain in extending banking access equitably. Prudent banking reforms must balance innovation with stability to sustain an enabling financial ecosystem. 

Progress on Financial Inclusion  

India has made noteworthy progress on financial inclusion, with bank account ownership rising from 35% in 2011 to 80% in 2021. Jan Dhan Yojana added over 400 million accounts. RBI’s licensing of small finance and payments banks has expanded last-mile access. The India Stack ecosystem has enabled paperless, presence-less banking. Aadhar, UPI, RuPay and other platforms are bringing millions into formal financial systems.

However, gaps in access remain, especially in rural areas where availability of bank branches is lower. Account ownership among women also lags at 77% compared to 83% for men. So further strengthening the breadth and depth of financial access is vital.

Challenges Facing India’s Banking Sector

While laudable in many ways, India’s banking sector faces considerable stresses. Gross non-performing assets ratio stands at 7.3% as of September 2022. Repeated governance lapses reveal deficiencies in oversight and risk management, be it at private banks like ICICI and Yes Bank or public sector ones like PNB. Undercapitalization also constrains the ability of public sector banks to expand lending.

Proposed Interventions    

To place India’s banking system on a sustainable path aligned with equity, various policy measures can be considered:

- Expanding access by leveraging postal bank networks, mobile money and decentralized local institutions as banking correspondents

- Allowing more flexible interest rate-setting to improve transmission of monetary policy 

- Implementing a robust governance framework for public sector banks with greater autonomy 

- Recapitalizing banks through transparent programs like the Bank Investment Company

- Using Fintech to expand affordable credit through digital platforms and big data analytics

- Building financial literacy to promote responsible borrowing and lending

There are merits in exploring centralized monitoring of bank accounts through a common platform to detect suspicious transactions and improve oversight. However, consent, data protection and accountability safeguards would need to be robust. Overall, a balanced approach expanding access while safeguarding stability is needed.

India’s banking system has served as the bedrock of its growing economy. With prudent regulation evolved through democratic processes, it can continue to empower millions more equitably and sustainably. The budget session should outline reforms that balance innovation with stability, promoting financial discipline and justice.

  "Investing in Human Development":

While rapid economic growth is vital, ultimately human development must be the end goal. Budget 2024-25 is an opportune time to prioritize policies that equip India’s people with health, knowledge and skills to lead productive lives with dignity.

India’s Demographic Edge 

With 65% of its population below 35, India enjoys tremendous demographic potential. By 2025, the average Indian will be just 29 years old, making it one of the world's youngest nations. This offers a unique edge, with the working age population supporting economic expansion. But this edge can only be leveraged if people have access to quality healthcare, education, skills and employment. 

Gaps in Human Development

Despite progress, India continues to underperform on human development metrics:

- Maternal mortality rate is 145 per 100,000 births, compared to just 5 in OECD countries

- Stunting affects 35% of children under 5, contributing to learning deficits

- Adult literacy rate is only around 77%

- Only 50% of India's graduates are considered employable

- Workforce lacks modern technical skills and critical thinking abilities

Boosting Public Investment 

To tap India's human capital potential, Budget 2024-25 must prioritize:

- Expanding health coverage through insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat

- Mission POSHAN 2.0 to alleviate malnutrition and stunting

- Strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure and access to generic drugs

- Progressive universalization of quality secondary education and skills programs

- Public-private partnerships for vocational training aligned to industry needs

- Hiring additional teachers and building schools with modern facilities  

- Digitizing education and leveraging technology for hybrid learning

Providing market-relevant education and healthcare will be transformative investments reaping rich dividends over time. With the right foundation, India's youth can drive sustainable and equitable growth.

 "Towards Mindful and Inclusive Development":

Economic metrics like GDP growth capture only material aspects of progress. As India aims for prosperity, budget policies must also cultivate mindful, compassionate and holistic development that uplifts all sections.

The Need for Inclusive Growth

While India's economy has expanded substantially since liberalization, inequality remains a concern. The Gini coefficient stands at 35, comparable to many sub-Saharan African nations. Regional disparities between urban and rural areas persist. Poverty ratios are higher among women, SCs, STs and minorities.  

To be meaningful, growth must be inclusive and shared. Budget 2024-25 can promote equity through:

- Urban and rural infrastructure investment creating opportunities across India

- Financial inclusion programs targeting unbanked regions and populations

- Skilling initiatives focused on marginalized communities  

- Enhanced allocations for health, education and social security access

- Support for marginal farmers, MSMEs and informal sector workers

- Policies promoting renewable energy, clean air and water - key for vulnerable groups

- Governance reforms to ensure just, transparent and efficient delivery of services

Cultivating Mindfulness and Well-being

Alongside material progress, India must nurture values of compassion, moderation and equanimity. To this end, budget policies could: 

- Support mindfulness programs teaching yoga, meditation, life skills

- Integrate lessons on ethics and philosophy in education curricula 

- Train mental health professionals using indigenous techniques like Ayurveda   

- Develop happiness and well-being indices going beyond economic measures

- Promote community values of sharing and volunteering

- Propagate sustainable living models rooted in Indian wisdom traditions

With prudent policies furthering economic justice and societal mindfulness, India can achieve holistic development benefiting all citizens. This will set a progressive example for the world.

"Towards Mindful and Inclusive Development":

Economic metrics like GDP growth capture only material aspects of progress. As India aims for prosperity, budget policies must also cultivate mindful, compassionate and holistic development that uplifts all sections.

The Need for Inclusive Growth

While India's economy has expanded substantially since liberalization, inequality remains a concern. The Gini coefficient stands at 35, comparable to many sub-Saharan African nations. Regional disparities between urban and rural areas persist. Poverty ratios are higher among women, SCs, STs and minorities.  

To be meaningful, growth must be inclusive and shared. Budget 2024-25 can promote equity through:

- Urban and rural infrastructure investment creating opportunities across India

- Financial inclusion programs targeting unbanked regions and populations

- Skilling initiatives focused on marginalized communities  

- Enhanced allocations for health, education and social security access

- Support for marginal farmers, MSMEs and informal sector workers

- Policies promoting renewable energy, clean air and water - key for vulnerable groups

- Governance reforms to ensure just, transparent and efficient delivery of services

Cultivating Mindfulness and Well-being

Alongside material progress, India must nurture values of compassion, moderation and equanimity. To this end, budget policies could: 

- Support mindfulness programs teaching yoga, meditation, life skills

- Integrate lessons on ethics and philosophy in education curricula 

- Train mental health professionals using indigenous techniques like Ayurveda   

- Develop happiness and well-being indices going beyond economic measures

- Promote community values of sharing and volunteering

- Propagate sustainable living models rooted in Indian wisdom traditions

With prudent policies furthering economic justice and societal mindfulness, India can achieve holistic development benefiting all citizens. This will set a progressive example for the world.

 Reforming the Stock Market and Financial Sector":

India’s stock markets have seen rapid growth, reaching market capitalization of over $3 trillion in 2022. However, for the common investor, thePlaying a crucial role in capital formation and corporate growth, India’s stock markets have expanded rapidly, reaching a market capitalization of over $3 trillion in 2022. However, for the everyday retail investor, the markets can seem more like a casino than an engine for equitable growth. Prudent regulation balancing flexibility with stability can make the markets work better for shared prosperity.  

Key Issues in Stock Markets

Some issues that plague India’s stock markets include:

- Speculative trading and excessive volatility that confuses retail investors

- Governance concerns around insider trading and lack of transparency  

- Inadequate monitoring that enables share price manipulation

- High concentration among a few stocks distortion allocation away from small firms

- Limited SME listings, hampering their access to capital 

Potential Reform Areas

To build vibrant yet stable capital markets, policymakers could explore:

- Tightening regulation around insider trading through digitized surveillance systems to detect irregularities

- Higher disclosure standards on corporate governance, finances and related-party transactions

- Curbing speculative derivative products that mainly benefit arbitrageurs 

- Incentivizing long-term investors through pooled funds and improved tax treatment

- Relaxing SME listing requirements for greater formalization and access to equity

- Developing dedicated platforms/SME exchanges to broaden retail participation

- Leveraging technology for faster trade settlement and efficient monitoring

Equity markets must balance flexibility for companies with adequate protections and level playing field for investors. Aligned thus with India’s development needs, capital markets can enable equitable and sustainable economic expansion.

  "Successful Financial Inclusion Models":

While India can chart its own unique path to financial inclusion, global best practices provide valuable lessons. Studying successful models in other countries or institutional contexts can inform pragmatic policies tailored to local realities.

Case Study 1: Malaysia's Islamic Banking System

Malaysia has built a robust Islamic banking segment accounting for over a quarter of its banking assets. Steps taken include:

- Regulatory support for Islamic banking products in line with Sharia principles 

- Tax neutrality between Islamic and conventional finance

- Sovereign sukuk issuances to build scale

- Macroprudential policies aligned with Islamic finance

- Governance frameworks tailored for Islamic banks  

This facilitated greater financial access in a religiously diverse country while maintaining stability.

Case Study 2: Brazil's Bolsa Familia Program

Bolsa Familia provides cash transfers to low-income households conditional on children attending school and getting vaccinated. Outcomes:

- Reduced poverty and income inequality  

- Improved health and education indicators among recipients

- Administered efficiently through biometrics-linked national ID cards 

- Political buy-in across party lines

The program demonstrates how targeted cash transfers can promote inclusion.

Case Study 3: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India

SHGs are typically 10-20 member women's groups that pool savings into a common fund for lending within the group. Key benefits:

- Bottom-up approach building financial literacy

- Access to microcredit and savings without dependence on external lenders

- Focus on rural women's empowerment 

- Community-based model enabling cooperative development 

SHGs exemplify how grassroots collective action can successfully drive financial inclusion with women leaders.

Studying global and local models offers insights into policies that balance innovation with social justice and stability when pursuing inclusive growth.

 "The Path Forward: An Agenda for an Inclusive, Mindful India":

As India approaches the 75th year of Independence, the economy stands at an inflection point. With prudent policies prioritizing stability, sustainability and social justice, India can make the next 25 years the most transformational yet. 

Seizing India's Opportunities 

The Indian economy has shown remarkable resilience, retaining its position as the world's fastest growing major economy even in the face of global headwinds. Key advantages that can catalyze sustainable development include:

- Demographic dividend of a young, working-age population

- Expanding middle class and domestic consumption

- Increasing integration with global value chains

- Vibrant technology and start-up ecosystems

- Natural resources that can aid renewable energy sufficiency

Budget 2024-25 offers the chance to unleash these opportunities through investments in human capital and infrastructure. 

Priority Areas for Public Investment

Specific sectors requiring focus include:

- Universal healthcare and nutrition security  

- Progressive universalization of education 

- Skills and employment generation

- Infrastructure - roads, ports, broadband connectivity

- Clean energy and sustainability practices

- Efficient, real-time delivery systems for public services

Holistic Development for Shared Prosperity

Equally important is cultivating an enabling environment based on ethics and Indianness:

- Grassroots democracy through empowered local governments

- Cooperatives and community-driven development

- Preserving pluralism, inclusion and social harmony

- Propagating mindfulness, compassion and moderation in society

- Environmentally sustainable production patterns 

- Foreign policy enhancing mutual understanding across nations

Through prudent policies and collective efforts, India can become a globally respected leader, showing how shared prosperity and mindfulness can co-exist.

  "The Role of Technology and Innovation":

Technology will undoubtedly be a key enabler for financial inclusion and broader national development goals. However, prudent policies are needed to leverage tech for empowerment rather than encroachment.

Expanding Digital Financial Access 

Digital payments have already helped expand financial access efficiently in India. Further efforts could include:

- Enabling mobile and micro-ATM networks through regulatory support 

- UPI integration across payment systems and merchant networks

- Digitized ID and eKYC for seamless, paperless account opening

- Big data analytics for credit risk modeling expanding lending 

- Blockchain pilots for remittances and transactions

- Comprehensive cybersecurity and data protection frameworks

However, interoperability across systems and offline access options remain vital given the digital divide.

Emerging Technologies' Promise and Pitfalls

Innovations like AI, IoT, drones and biotech can transform service delivery across sectors like healthcare, agriculture and education. But ethical risks around data misuse, autonomy and job losses must be mitigated through regulation. Mass surveillance risks from centralized monitoring of accounts and transactions outweigh potential benefits.

India must chart its own approach to emerging tech, avoiding both hype and hysteria. The focus must remain on human-centric policies that empower rather than encroach.

Investing in Digital Infrastructure and Skills 

To tap technology's potential, India must invest in both physical infrastructure like broadband and power, as well as human capital through STEM education, IT skills programs and digital literacy. This will enable inclusive innovation and participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

With pragmatism and principle, technology can accelerate financial inclusion and equitable development. But prudent regulation is key to prevent excesses. Technology must assist humanity, not control it.

 "Implementation Challenges":

While policy proposals may seem compelling in theory, the path from intent to outcomes faces considerable implementation challenges in India. Pragmatic approaches cognizant of ground realities are essential.

Overcoming Entrenched Interests

Vested interests often derail reforms that threaten the status quo. For instance, reforms to agricultural markets face resistance from middlemen benefiting from existing systems. Changes to labor laws are opposed by unions and administrations accustomed to old frameworks. Overcoming such inertia requires building consensus and transition paths.

Administrative Capacity Issues 

Even with political will, administrators must have the competence to execute complex new programs. Capacity building through training, performance management and lateral entries can help. But transforming bureaucratic mindsets takes time. Digitization can enable efficient monitoring but systems must be integrated and easy to use. 

Iteration and Course Correction 

Big bang reforms often flounder when accounting for complex realities. Gradual rollouts with feedback loops for improvement may be slower but ultimately more effective. The GST implementation faced initial hiccups but course corrected over time based on experience. Such iterative approaches build capability.

Quick Wins through Low Hanging Fruits

While macro reforms have long gestation periods, some changes yield quicker results like:

- Streamlining administrative procedures through process re-engineering

- Decentralized decision making empowering frontline workers

- Strengthening last mile delivery through local partnerships

- Communication campaigns to build public awareness and engagement

Meaningful transformation requires sustained efforts spanning administrations. But incremental progress is possible when initiatives align incentives, build capacity and engage stakeholders. With pragmatic attention to implementation, India can bridge intent with outcomes.

"Failed Reform":

While India can learn from global success stories, equally important are lessons from failed reform attempts. Studying challenged initiatives in a spirit of humility can inform future policymaking.  

Case Study: India's Land Acquisition Reform 

In 2013, the UPA government introduced a new Land Acquisition Act to replace the colonial era 1894 legislation. Key provisions included:

- Higher compensation for acquired land - up to 4 times market rate

- Mandatory consent of 80% landowners for private projects and 70% for public ones

- Social impact assessments for large acquisitions  

However, the reform faced strong opposition from industry, governments and even farmers groups. Criticisms included:

- Acquisition costs raised 4-5 times making projects unviable 

- Consent requirements gave minority veto powers impeding development 

- Processes remained lengthy despite digitization attempts

This resulted in very few projects successfully completed under the Act. The next NDA government amended the law in 2015 to diluted some provisions like the consent clause. However, land acquisition remains contentious. 

Key Lessons 

While seeking to balance industrial growth with farmer rights, some learnings were:

- Drastic changes in deeply entrenched systems create disruptions   

- Lack of adequate stakeholder consultation and consensus

- Trying to impose top-down solutions without evolutionary approach 

- Poor change management for smooth transition  

The case study offers insights into why even well-intended reforms may falter during implementation. With humility and openness to feedback, policies can be refined to deliver inclusive, sustainable outcomes.

 "The Role of Agriculture and Rural Development":

Agriculture remains a pivotal sector for India, providing livelihoods to nearly half the population. Investing in rural transformation and farmer welfare through budgetary policies can bolster inclusive growth.

Agriculture’s Importance  

Agriculture accounts for 18% of India’s GDP and employs over 40% of the workforce. However, low productivity and small landholdings keep farmer incomes low. Strengthening agriculture is vital for:

- Food security for India's growing population

- Alleviating rural poverty through better farmer incomes

- Stemming migration by creating opportunities in villages

- Boosting exports and supporting industry through raw material supply

Key Focus Areas

Some priority policy interventions include:  

- Expanding irrigation infrastructure through projects like PMKSY

- Improving access to quality inputs like seeds and fertilizers  

- Investments in cold storage, warehousing and market linkages to reduce wastage

- Encouraging crop diversification through MSPs beyond just rice and wheat

- Boosting credit availability through enhanced agriculture credit targets and KCC expansion

- Developing livestock, fisheries and food processing sectors

The budget session should signal enhanced commitment to realizing the true potential of Indian agriculture. 

Rural Development Schemes

Alongside agriculture growth, rural infrastructure development can improve quality of life through: 

- Road connectivity under PMGSY

- Housing for all through Awaas Yojana 

- Rural electrification and clean energy  

- Drinking water and sanitation schemes 

- Digital India connectivity

Agriculture is both an economic sector and a way of life for a majority of Indians. With inclusive policies, its transformation can uplift millions out of poverty while securing national food needs and sustaining industry. 

"The External Sector Environment":

Prudent external sector policies balancing domestic priorities with global integration can enable sustainable growth. The budget session must outline measures to boost exports and manage flows judicious for the economy.

The Trade Environment 

Merchandise exports have rebounded beyond pre-pandemic levels reaching $420 billion. However, imports also witness robust growth resulting in trade deficits. Boosting exports remains vital to create jobs and integrate into value chains. Policy measures could include:

- Improving ease of trading across borders through procedural reforms 

- Export promotion schemes focused on MSMEs

- Cluster development targeting sectors with competitiveness 

- FTA negotiations opening foreign markets for Indian goods and services

Managing Foreign Fund Flows

Portfolio flows like FPI have proven volatile during monetary tightening cycles. Reliance on fickle FIIs enhances external vulnerabilities. More stable sources like FDI could be incentivized through further easing restrictions and promoting export-oriented manufacturing. Prudent forex reserve management can buffer shocks.

The budget offers opportunities to scale India's entrepreneurial and human capital strengths towards export-driven growth. With balance across priorities, the external sector can positively contribute to macroeconomic stability.

Key Risks 

However, global headwinds remain on the horizon:

- Tightening financial conditions with rising interest rates in developed economies

- Slowing demand in many key export markets  

- Ongoing geopolitical tensions disrupting supplies and growth

- Growing protectionist policies challenging free trade 

India must judiciously integrate with the global economy while insulating domestic stability. With pragmatism, external policies can enable inclusive and sustainable growth.

 "Demographic Dividend and Human Capital":

India’s youthful population offers immense potential to power its continued ascent. But this demographic dividend must be gained through investments in health, education and skills that enhance human capital.

India’s Demographic Profile

With a median age of 28 years, India has one of the world's youngest populations. Over 65% are below 35 years. Favorable dependency ratios mean the working age share exceeds non-workers. This population pyramid offers economic advantages. However, millions of youth are unemployed indicating mismatches in skills and opportunities. 

Priority Human Development Areas

To fully leverage demographic strengths, budget policies could prioritize:  

- Universalizing secondary education with focus on STEM, arts and humanities

- Vocational training programs aligned with expected job creation sectors

- Apprenticeships, internships and on-the-job training models

- Public health interventions to improve nutrition, sanitation and preventive care

- Developing job markets beyond metros through infrastructure and digital connectivity  

Assessing Ongoing Initiatives

Assessing the efficacy of current initiatives can inform policy enhancements:

- Skill India imparted skills to over 5 million but outcomes tracking is limited

- Digital India expanded connectivity but usage gaps persist

- Startup India seed funded entrepreneurs but scale-up remains challenging

- Ayushman Bharat enhanced access but quality issues plague public healthcare  

India’s people are its biggest asset. But fulfilling the promise of its demography requires strategic investments in human capital development. Then the population dividend can pay rich returns for equitable progress.

 "The Energy Sector":

Energy sufficiency and security are crucial for economic growth and prosperity. Budget 2024-25 provides the opportunity to accelerate India’s green energy transition while meeting growing power needs.

India’s Energy Landscape 

India is the world’s third largest energy consumer. Domestic coal dominates power generation. But renewable sources like solar and wind are expanding rapidly, accounting for 10% of electricity capacity. India aims to have 50% renewable energy by 2030. Natural gas, hydropower and nuclear account for smaller shares in the energy mix. 

Key Focus Areas

Some priority policy initiatives for the energy sector include:

- Scaling domestic oil and gas production through incentives for exploration

- Promoting biofuels and green hydrogen for transport applications

- Continued public investments in renewable energy generation and storage 

- Progressive reduction in fossil fuel subsidies and cross-subsidization of renewables

- Modernizing the transmission grid to integrate growing intermittent renewable power

- R&D and manufacturing incentives to build domestic solar and wind industries

- Electric vehicle infrastructure expansion through fiscal support to consumers

Assessing Ongoing Efforts 

Notable ongoing efforts like Ujjwala improving LPG access, off-grid solar powering villages, and LED bulb distribution must be expanded in scale and scope. The budget session can signal enhanced commitments.

Energy powers progress. With pragmatic policies balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability, India can meet its growth needs while being a leader in the global green transition.

 "Urban Infrastructure and Development":

Urban transformation is pivotal for India to sustain double-digit growth and provide productive employment opportunities. The budget session must prioritize urban infrastructure and reforms.

India's Urban Transformation

By 2030, over 600 million Indians will live in cities, as urbanization surges beyond 35%. However, most urban centers remain plagued by congestion, inadequate services and proliferation of slums. Planned, smart urban expansion is essential.  

Key Focus Areas:

Priority policy initiatives for urban development include:

- Scaling public transport systems through metro rail, buses, cycling networks

- Efficient water supply, sewerage and sanitation coverage leveraging private capital

- Developing affordable housing with rental options through PPP models  

- Renewable energy integration to ensure reliable, clean power

- Waste management through segregation, recycling and safe disposal 

- Urban health and education infrastructure, especially in lower-income areas

- Leveraging digital governance, geospatial data and internet-of-things for service delivery

- Reforms in land use, building codes and zoning laws to improve livability

Assessing Ongoing Programs

Notable ongoing urban schemes like Smart Cities, AMRUT, Housing for All and Swachh Bharat have made valuable contributions but need enhanced funding and sharper execution. Regional imbalances in urbanization must be addressed to spread growth equitably.

With foresight and investment in urban planning, India can harness cities as engines of innovation and shared prosperity. The budget session must signal the priority towards sustainable urban development.