Increasing the sanitation coverage of funds under the Swachh Bharat Yojana from 42 per cent to 60 per cent for rural areas is a step in the right direction

- Renu Misra, Managing Director, Grohe India Renu Misra, Managing Director, Grohe India, on the Union Budget 2017-18: The Union Budget 2017 has ensured that sanitation is one of the top priorities for the government in the next financial year. Significant developments with respect to the Swachh Bharat Mission and sanitation in rural areas are expected, based on the proposed budget allocations in these areas. Increasing the sanitation coverage of funds under the Swachh Bharat Yojana from 42 per cent to 60 per cent for rural areas is a step in the right direction. The budget has proved that a constraint of funds will not impede infrastructure activities and the vision for a clean India. The granting of infrastructure status to affordable housing scheme is a welcome move to ensure the efficacy of the same. The decision can be expected to increase the allocation of resources for the sector, which in turn will boost the housing supply. The allocation of Rs 23,000 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to reach the goal of 1 crore homes for the homeless by 2017 is one of the best points from the budget. The construction of more homes will provide an impetus to the sanitary ware industry, and increase the demand for products. The increase in allocation of funds for MGNREGA, and target to increase the involvement of women under the scheme is commendable. As a result, more women will receive benefits from the scheme such as training and employment, especially in rural areas.