<h1>Indian Government Boosts Rural and Agricultural Budget by 24%, Targets Poverty Alleviation and Infrastructure Development.</h1> The Indian government announced a significant increase in budget allocation for rural, agriculture, and allied sectors, totaling Rs. 1.87 lakh crore for 2017-18, a 24% rise from the previous year. Initiatives include Mission Antyodaya to lift 1 crore households and 50,000 Gram Panchayats out of poverty by 2019, and the highest-ever allocation of Rs. 48,000 crore for MGNREGA. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana aims to complete its target by 2019 with Rs. 19,000 crore allocated, while Rs. 23,000 crore is designated for rural housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin. The government also plans to achieve 100% village electrification by May 2018.