What is ‘Amrit Kaal’? The term Nirmala Sitharaman used several times in her Budget speech
On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her fifth budget and said the budget proposals aimed to build on the foundations laid in the previous budget and the plan laid out for India @ 100, that is i.e. when India completes 100 years of independence in 1947.
Finance Minister made reference to ‘Amrit Kaal’ in her budget speech emphasizing nine times the goals to be achieved over the next 25 years in 2047, the year India will witness the centenary celebrations of independence from the British.
What is ‘Amrit Kaal’?
The term ‘Amrit Kaal’ was first used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021 during Independence Day festivities. Prime Minister Modi associated the term with India’s roadmap and the goals to be achieved in the next 25 years. He said that the aim of “Amrit Kaal” is to bring transformation in the lives of citizens and reduce the difference in living standards between villages and towns.
The term ‘Amrit Kaal’ has its roots in Vedic astrology, where it indicates a significant time to begin any work and also the time for the beginning of great pleasure for humans, angels and inhuman beings.
In reference to usage in the budget, “Amrit Kaal” means the period until 2047 – the next 25 years, when India will complete 100 years of independence.
‘First budget at ‘Amrit Kaal’
“I present the budget for 2023-24. This is the first budget in Amrit Kaal,” FM Sitharaman said as she began her budget speech.
She continued: “This budget hopes to build on the foundation laid in the previous budget and the plan laid out for [email protected]. We envision a prosperous and inclusive India, in which the fruits of development reach all regions and all citizens, especially our youth, women, farmers, OBCs, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Envisioning the India of ‘Amrit Kaal’, she said, “Our vision for Amrit Kaal includes a technology-driven and knowledge-based economy with strong public finances and a robust financial sector. To achieve this, Jan Bhagidari through Sabka Saath Sabka Prayas is essential”, then shared the four opportunities that can prove transformative during the “Amrit Kaal” – Women’s Economic Empowerment, PM VIshwakarma KAushal Samman (PM VIKAS) , Tourism, Green Growth .
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