The Union Budget 2025-26 prioritizes sustainability, social security, and agricultural development, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into economic policies.
Environmental Initiatives
- Customs Duty Removal on Critical Mineral Waste: Eliminating customs duties on waste and scrap of minerals like cobalt, lithium-ion batteries, and copper promotes recycling and reduces environmental impact.
- Nuclear Energy Mission: Aiming for 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, reinforcing the commitment to clean energy.
- Increased Environment Ministry Allocation: ₹3,412.82 crore allocated, a 9% rise, to boost conservation efforts.
- National Mission for a Green India: ₹170 crore transferred to the Sovereign Green Fund to enhance biodiversity and forest cover.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Encourages sustainable farming to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
Social and Governance Initiatives
- Formalization of Gig Economy Workers: Expanding healthcare and welfare access for gig workers.
- Critical Mineral Recovery Policy: Ensures sustainable mining and secures essential raw materials.
Agricultural Growth: The Engine of Development
- Makhana Board in Bihar: Supports regional farmers and economic growth.
- National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds: Enhances seed quality for better productivity.
- Second Gene Bank: Preserves agricultural genetic diversity with 10 lakh germplasm lines.
- Five-Year Cotton Productivity Mission: Improves yields and supports the textile industry.
- Kisan Credit Card Loan Limit Raised: Increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh for better financial aid.
- Urea Plant in Assam: A 12.7 lakh metric ton facility in Namrup to reduce fertilizer imports.
- Sustainable Fisheries Framework: Focuses on Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep for marine biodiversity and economic growth.
These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to sustainability, economic resilience, and agricultural prosperity.