Budget 2021: Rs 40,000 crore for rural infra; minimum wages for all workers among boost to social sector

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday announced an allocation of Rs 40,000 crore for rural infrastructure development, an increase of Rs 10,000 crore from the previous year, along with other major reforms for the social sector. 

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While presenting the Union Budget for the year 2021-22 in the Lok Sabha, the finance minister proposed a portal to collect information on gig-workers, building and construction workers and others, as well as a minimum wage for all category of workers.

She also said that women will be allowed to work in all categories and in night shifts. 

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“To further extend efforts towards unorganised labour force, I propose to launch a portal to collect relevant information on gig workers, building and construction workers, among others. It’ll help formulate health, housing, skill, insurance credit and food schemes for migrant workers,” she said. 

Sitharaman also proposed setting up a National Language Translation Centre, as well as amendments to the apprenticeship law to enhance opportunities for youth. 

A proposal was also made to introduce National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill along with Collaborating Training Inter Training Centres in collaboration with other countries