For, the first time, the Indian economy showed a sustained growth of over 9 percent for three consecutive years. During this period, the fiscal deficit came down. The Indian economy showed resilience in the wake of the world financial crisis and the Great Depression. Due to shortage of time, I want to confine myself to some social issues pertaining to women. I thank the Finance Minister for the two schemes Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme which are being launched in the current year. This will provide Rs. 200 to widows between the age group of 40-64. I thank the Finance Minister for his gesture to empower the young widows of the age group of 18-40 by equipping and standing on their own feet. They will get priority in the admission to the ITIs, women ITIs, national/regional it is. I congratulate the Government for providing Rs. 500; and bearing the cost of the training. In the last five years, the Government has given priority to expand the reach of the higher education in every nook and corner of the country. The outlay for the higher education has been increased by 900 per cent. I welcome the move of the Government to start new IITs, IMSs and Central Universities. I request the Government to open an AIIMs type institution at Vizinagaram and IIM at Viskhapatnam. This will benefit the backward people as well as the tribal people of the States of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. Sir, it is natural that the Members who belong to the Opposition will oppose the steps of the Government and the Budget, whether it is a regular Budget or an Interim Budget, is no exception. The other participants, including the participants from our erstwhile.
