New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced the arrival of 'Good Days' in the Rajya Sabha, stating that the Modi government is one that is devoted to the nation with its 'mind, body, and life'.
Replying to the discussion on the Appropriation (No. 3) Bill 2025 and the Finance Bill 2025, Sitharaman said that the public welfare schemes of the Modi government such as Jan Dhan, PM Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala, PM Mudra Yojana, Jan Aushadhi have had a far-reaching impact and is visible on the lives of the people.
Later, the Rajya Sabha returned both these bills to the Lok Sabha by voice vote.
She said that due to change in income tax bracket, two crore taxpayers will be out of tax net. All of them belong to middle class and lower upper class. The compliance of taxpayers has been reduced. There will be a change in the TDS process as well. This will benefit people and increase demand in the market.
The Finance Minister said that this Union Budget reflects the government's concept of development. The taxes collected are utilised for the benefit of the public and the nation.
Sitharaman said that the government has made changes in the business fees which will bring about favourable conditions.
She stated that the government has revised business fees, creating a more favorable environment. Changes in excise duty will increase demand in the market. Self-reliance will be encouraged in India. Exporters will benefit and Indian products will become competitive in the international market.
The Finance Minister said that the old and new pension will be the same. Pensioners will not suffer any loss.
Sitharaman said that the impact of the Covid pandemic on the economy is ending. The country's economy is growing rapidly towards becoming the third largest economy. The Modi government has made arrangements to save lives and livelihoods. After Covid, the government has changed its strategy and made policy reforms.
The development of digital infrastructure in the country has provided a boost to the economy, she added.
The Minister stated that the funding for central schemes such as MNREGA has not been cut, and 105 percent of the allocated budget for these schemes has been utilized.
Sitharaman rejected discrimination in revenue allocation among states, saying it is done as per the recommendations of the Finance Commission.
In this, the priorities of the states are kept in mind. Apart from the Finance Commission, capital is also made available to the states.
She said that the scope of social security has been expanded and the public is getting benefits.
UNI RBE CS