Budget 2019: Modi government to expand Swachh Bharat scheme - India will be made Open Defecation Free on Gandhi Jayanti, says FM

Budget 2019: Swachh Bharat was one of the flagship schemes of the Narendra Modi government during its first tenure. The scheme was welcomed by all and in its second tenure, the government plans to expand the scheme to undertake sustainable solid waste management in every village, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed during her Union Budget 2019 speech on Friday. She also confirmed that harnessing latest technology will be used for the same. "Swachh Bharat to be expanded to undertake sustainable solid waste management in every village, harnessing latest tech," Sitharaman said. 

The finance minister said that as part of the scheme, the government also plans to undertake solid waste management in every village. "Swachh Bharat Mission has touched the very conscious of the nation, we propose to expand Swachh Bharat to undertake solid waste management in every village," the former defence minister said. 

Sitharaman announced that the country will be made Open Defecation Free on Gandhi Jayanti this year. "Happy and satisfied to report that India will be made Open Defecation Free on October 2nd, 2019, as per the dream of PM Nnarendra Modi," she said, while adding, "To mark this occasion, Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra to be inaugurated at Raj Ghat, on 2nd October, 2019; Gandhipedia too to be developed to spread positive Gandhian values."

The government is also contemplating enhancing foreign direct investment (FDI) in media and aviation sectors, Sitharaman said. She added 100 per cent FDI will be permitted for insurance intermediaries.

"Global FDI flow slipped by 13 per cent in 2018 to USD 1.3 trillion, from 1.5 in the previous year. However, India`s FDI flows in 2018-19 remained strong at USD 54.2 billion, six per cent higher than last year," she detailed."The government will invite suggestions for further opening up of FDI in the aviation sector, media, animation AVGC and insurance sectors in consultation with all stakeholders. 100% FDI will be permitted for insurance intermediaries," Sitharaman said.

In the single-brand retail sector, Sitharaman said local sourcing norms for FDI will be eased in a bid to encourage investment. High time India not only gets integrated into the global value chain but also become part of the system on global savings, she said.