Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024 after the Cabinet gave its approval

In a big push for employment, skilling and other opportunities, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore for several schemes targeting 4.1 crore youth in the Union Budget 2024

In her Union Budget 2024 speech, Sitharaman said 'employment and skilling' is among the nine top priorities of the government for "generating ample opportunities for all" and the programmes are aimed to incentivise both employees as well as employers

"I am happy to announce the Prime Minister's package of five schemes and initiatives to facilitate employment, skilling and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over a five-year period with a central outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore," she said

For FY25, the finance minister said a provision of Rs 1.48 lakh crore has been made for education, employment, and skilling

She said the government will implement three schemes for 'Employment Linked Incentive', as part of the Prime Minister's package