New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday the economy was going through a profound transformation, as she rose to present the government's last budget to parliament before a national election due by May.

The government is focused on improving conditions for the poor, women, youth and farmers, Sitharaman said, setting the tone for welfare schemes to be announced in these areas.

Weak growth in wages and high inflation has hurt lower income earners, particularly in rural areas, impacting their ability to spend on even items of daily use.

Sitharaman will be looking to step up cash schemes for the poor, experts say.

The interim budget for 2024/25 is being seen as an economic manifesto for Prime Minis...