The Union Budget 2024, unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is a testament to the government’s commitment to bolstering technological advancements, ensuring data protection, and driving regional development across India. This comprehensive budget includes significant allocations aimed at cybersecurity, the establishment of the Data Protection Board (DPB), and substantial development projects in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

Data Protection Board Allocation

To operationalize the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, notified in August 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has allocated ₹2 crore for the Data Protection Board (DPB). This allocation includes ₹4 lakh for capital expenditure, such as digital infrastructure, and ₹1.96 crore for revenue expenditure, primarily covering salaries. The DPB will play a crucial role in directing data fiduciaries to take remedial actions in case of personal data breaches and addressing user complaints.

Increased Budget for MeitY

MeitY’s budget for FY25 has seen a substantial increase of 52.12%, rising from ₹14,421.25 crore (RE 2023-24) to ₹21,936.90 crore (BE 2024-25). This 2.6% increase from the interim budget highlights the government’s focus on production-linked incentive (PLI) programs designed to boost semiconductor and hardware production. The PLI for large-scale electronics manufacturing and IT hardware has been elevated by 35.96%, from ₹4,559.88 crore (RE 2023-24) to ₹6,200 crore (BE 2024-25).

Enhanced Cybersecurity Funding

The budget for cybersecurity projects has increased by 89.75%, from ₹400 crore (RE 2023-24) to ₹759 crore for 2024-25. However, funding for the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) was significantly reduced by 96%, from ₹218.49 crore to ₹8.54 crore. Additionally, the National Informatics Centre’s budget increased by 12.67%, from ₹1,552 crore (RE FY24) to ₹1,748.64 crore for 2024-25, while allocations for autonomous bodies like the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) decreased by 7.73%, from ₹1,842.5 crore to ₹1,700 crore.

Major Regional Development Initiatives

The Union Budget 2024 places a strong emphasis on regional development, particularly in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Under the Purvodaya initiative, ₹26,000 crore has been allocated for road connectivity projects in Bihar, including the Patna-Purnea Expressway and Buxar-Bhagalpur Expressway. For Andhra Pradesh, ₹15,000 crore has been earmarked under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act to support the construction of Amaravati, the state capital, and other regional development projects. The government also announced two new industrial corridors—Visakhapatnam-Chennai and Hyderabad-Bengaluru—and a special backward areas fund for Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and North Coastal Andhra.

Political Reactions and Implications

The budget allocations have elicited varied responses from political leaders. While opposition figures criticized the budget for making “hollow promises,” allies of the ruling party, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), praised the allocations for addressing critical regional needs. Finance Minister Sitharaman emphasized the government’s commitment to comprehensive regional development, announcing projects such as new airports, medical colleges, sports infrastructure, and power plants in Bihar. Additionally, ₹38.76 crore has been allocated for the Centralized International Out Roamer (CIOR) to detect and block fraudulent international calls displaying Indian numbers.

Additional Projects and Allocations

The National Informatics Centre’s budget has been increased by 12.67% for 2024-25, from ₹1,552 crore (RE FY24) to ₹1,748.64 crore. Although the UIDAI remains a crucial part of India’s digital infrastructure, its budget was reduced by 25%, from ₹800 crore to ₹600 crore. Moreover, ₹11,500 crore has been set aside for an expedited irrigation benefit program aimed at flood prevention and management. The comprehensive development of the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, modeled on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, is also included, transforming them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations.

Broader Economic Context

The broader economic context of these allocations underscores the government’s initiative to position India as a hub for semiconductor and hardware production. The 35.96% increase in PLI for large-scale electronics manufacturing and IT hardware is expected to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen India’s standing in the global electronics market.

In essence, the Union Budget 2024 outlines a comprehensive strategy to advance India’s technological infrastructure, improve cybersecurity, and foster regional development. The strategic allocations aim to enhance connectivity, drive growth, and ensure a secure and prosperous digital future for the nation.