In a bid to win the confidence of the rural voter, the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Viduytikaran Yojana (RGGVY) will get an additional Rs 1,500 crore in this Budget. The programme had already been allotted Rs 6,000 crore in the interim Budget. “Under the RGGVY, house-to-house electrification would be ensured which would in turn boost rural economy. So far only electric poles had been set up,” sources said.

The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), which focusses on rural India as well, is likely to be allocated Rs 1,100 crore. The PMSSY envisages the setting up of six new AIIMS-like institutions and the upgradation of 13 existing government medical colleges. A provision of Rs 647.92 crore had been earmarked for the scheme in the interim Budget.

Interestingly, with Arjun Singh no longer in the HRD ministry, flagship programmes like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and mid-day meal scheme may not receive any funding in this budget. The government, however, may consider allocating nearly Rs 8,000 for setting up eight new IITs.

The rural sanitation campaign is also unlikely to be allocated any funds. The programme received Rs 1,200 crore in the interim Budget. The remaining money is likely to go to other sectors that had increased allocations in the interim Budget.