<h1>2009-10 Budget Boosts Spending by 36% to Drive Growth; Major Increases in Rural Development and Employment Schemes.</h1> The 2009-10 budget announced a significant increase in government expenditure to stimulate economic growth, with total expenditure rising by 36%. Key allocations include a 34% rise in plan expenditure, a 144% increase for the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and substantial boosts for rural development programs. Agricultural credit is targeted at Rs. 3,25,000 crore, and new initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana are introduced. Tax changes include increased income tax exemption limits, the abolition of the fringe benefit tax, and adjustments in customs and excise duties. The fiscal deficit is projected at 6.8% of GDP.