Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first Union Budget for Modi 3.0 government on July 23, 2024, aiming to bolster India’s economic growth while addressing social equity and the interests of the NDA allies. This budget is an exercise in balancing economic growth with political dividends. This budget outlines allocations for infrastructure, green energy initiatives, and the digital economy, reflecting a comprehensive approach to development. The Union Budget 2024-25 focuses on macroeconomic growth and fiscal stability but offers limited welfare for the poor, relying on effective policy implementation for success. While the fiscal deficit has improved to 4.9% of GDP, significant disparities persist, with increased capital expenditure intended to boost private investment but widening rural-urban and income divides. The budget maintains a similar outlay as the interim budget, prioritising agriculture, rural development, housing, and MSMEs to create jobs. New measures include direct payments for first-time employees and incentives for employers to increase hiring. The budget does not adequately address rising inflation, which stands at 5.08%. To support manufacturing, the government has introduced initiatives like the Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs and increased Mudra Loan limits, along with developing industrial parks enhancing agricultural practices through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and increasing support for natural farming. Despite these efforts, the success of the budget depends on effective implementation and addressing broader economic challenges.