Finance Minister replies to debate on Union Budget in Rajya Sabha
Bishshewar Mishra / New Delhi
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today contended that government’s target to make India a five trillion dollar economy by 2024-2025 is based on a proper plan.
Replying to the Budget discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Ms Sitharaman listed out several measures proposed in the Union Budget in this direction.
She said the big picture presented in this Budget is backed with a plan to increase investment without compromising on the fiscal consolidation roadmap.
She said the Budget shows government’s commitment to boost investment in agriculture, social and health sectors.
The Minister highlighted several measures taken by the Centre for the welfare of the farmers saying steps of the NDA government for agriculture is focused not just on a single scheme, but on the recovery of the sector as a whole.
She said the benefit of cash transfer of six thousand rupees annually Under PM -KISAN has been extended to all farmers. Ms Sitharaman reiterated government’s commitment for doubling famers’ income.
She said the government is working on giving pension to farmers. The Minister said the agriculture export will also be doubled by 2022.
Rejecting opposition criticism with regard to government estimations of different sectors, the minister asserted that every projection mentioned in the budget is realistic.
She also said there is no cut in fund allocations for SCs/STs, Women, MGNAREGA and Housing but even they have been increased. The Finance Minister said the inflation has been kept under check and NPAs issue is being comprehensively dealt with.