Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, in an interview following the presentation of the FY26 Union Budget, discussed various themes, including income tax reforms, the challenges posed by global geopolitical issues, and the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.’ She emphasized that the Budget focused on strengthening the foundation for India's growth, aligning with the principles of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas." Initiatives such as the new Income Tax Bill embodying trust-based governance and investments in key areas like education, nutrition, and AI were highlighted as steps towards achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. She also addressed the Budget's commitment to inclusivity, particularly in addressing poverty, women's workforce participation, and demographic dividend. She pointed out that the Budget aims to boost sectors like agriculture, including the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, to improve productivity and exports while focusing on infrastructure investment and fiscal prudence.
Despite global challenges, including the US's tariffs, she clarified that India remains committed to its 'Make in India' initiative and modernising agriculture. The Budget also includes provisions for improving capital expenditure, with a continued focus on public investment to create assets. She dismissed suggestions of a shift towards demand-side economics, asserting that capital expenditure has risen, and the government's commitment to fiscal discipline remains strong. She also discussed ongoing efforts in strategic disinvestment, Customs duty rationalisation, and the simplification of the Income Tax Act. Regarding the future, she mentioned that the government is working on artificial intelligence applications for sectors such as agriculture, urban development, and healthcare. She concluded that the Budget is designed to meet current challenges while preparing the country for long-term growth.
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