Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a structured three-Kartavya framework in her Budget speech on Sunday, stating that the financial planning and focus of the Narendra Modi government is based on three kartavya, or duties. This framework aims to accelerate economic growth, fulfill citizen aspirations, and ensure universal access to resources.
Nirmala Sitharaman said the Centre’s sankalp remains centered on the poor, underprivileged and disadvantaged. She further said a "reform express" is on its way. "Our kartavya is to ensure every family, community, and sector has access to resources, amenities and opportunities," she said, in what is her ninth consecutive budget in the 12 years of Modi as PM of a BJP-led NDA regime.
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The three Kartavya framework are as follows:
Kartavya No. 1: Economic Growth
The first Kartavya focuses on accelerating and sustaining economic growth by boosting productivity, competitiveness, and resilience amid volatile global conditions. "This three-part approach aims to strengthen inclusivity and resilience, benefiting farmers, youth, women, disadvantaged groups, and every region through sustained reform momentum," said Sitharaman.
Kartavya No. 2: Capacity Building
The second Kartavya aims to meet people's aspirations by enhancing their abilities and empowering them to become key contributors to the nation's journey towards prosperity. “Our second Kartavya is to fulfil the aspirations of our people and build their capacity, making them strong partners in India’s path to prosperity,” the finance minister added, stressing the importance of skill development, job creation, and human capital.
Kartavya No.3: Universal Access
“It is to ensure that every family, community, region and sector has access to resources, amenities and opportunities for meaningful participation,” she said. The third Kartavya seeks to ensure equitable access to resources, amenities, and opportunities for every family, community, region, and sector.
“This three-fold approach requires supportive ecosystem. It is a unique, yuva shakti (youth power)-driven budget,” she said.
She said the government will ensure dividends of growth for “every farmer, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and youth”. Sitharaman noted that reforms such as GST, labour codes, and quality control orders have been implemented since PM Modi’s Independence Day call to rationalise taxes.
On future goals, she said India will continue progressing towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, focusing on “long-term development, inclusive growth, and sustainable economic reforms”. She added that the Centre prioritised “reforms over rhetoric”, which helped deliver a GDP growth rate of 7.2% amid geopolitical crises.
