The Lok Sabha successfully passed the Finance Bill on Wednesday, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressing concerns raised by various members. The bill, along with government amendments, was approved through a voice vote. During her speech, Sitharaman directed her criticism towards the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), responding to their claims against the government.

Sitharaman’s Allegations Against TMC

Sitharaman accused the TMC of neglecting the welfare of the poor in West Bengal by failing to implement several central government initiatives. She specifically mentioned the Pradhan Mantri KISAN scheme, which supports small farmers, alleging that its implementation was halted in West Bengal for two years. She criticized the TMC for blocking the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which she claimed affected 1.5 crore families in the state. In addressing the TMC’s stance on distributive justice, she questioned their commitment to the welfare of non-party members, stating, “If aid is contingent on being a TMC member, what justice is that?”

Concerns for Tea Garden Workers

Sitharaman raised concerns regarding the plight of tea garden workers in West Bengal, citing that 3.79 lakh workers had suffered due to a lack of implementation of the Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana. She claimed that no state-level committee had been formed in five years, hindering any potential benefits for these workers. Comparatively, she highlighted that the Assam government had allocated Rs. 293 crore for tea garden workers, who had benefited from the initiative.

Criticism of UPA’s Economic Record

The Minister firmly contested criticisms from the INDIA alliance, particularly pertaining to the legacy of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). She stated that the UPA had left the economy in a precarious situation, which includes persistent high inflation, and remarked on the alleged mismanagement of fiscal responsibilities during their tenure. Sitharaman reminded the House that under the current government, the fiscal deficit had been reduced significantly from 9.3% during the pandemic to a targeted 4.3% for the fiscal year 2026-27.

Response to DMK’s Allegations

Addressing allegations from DMK members, Sitharaman expressed disappointment over their absence during her rebuttal. She asserted the importance of confronting claims rather than evading accountability, stressing that representatives should engage meaningfully in parliamentary discussions. She dismissed claims about GST rate cuts not providing expected outcomes, providing statistical evidence of significant growth in vehicle sales in Tamil Nadu.

Impact of GST Cuts on Tamil Nadu Economy

Sitharaman detailed that the GST reforms had spurred growth in various sectors, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where passenger vehicle sales and tractor purchases surged markedly. She cited an increase in GST revenues as a testament to the effectiveness of the fiscal measures taken by the government. The Finance Minister underscored that these developments contribute positively to manufacturing capabilities and local economies.

Progressive Reforms and Tax Principles

According to Sitharaman, the Finance Bill rests on consolidating trust within tax administration while facilitating a more favorable environment for taxpayers. She outlined a strategic focus on empowering various sectors, including micro, small, and medium enterprises, and ensuring that India remains a competitive business hub through comprehensive reforms in trade and custom operations.

Government’s Commitment to Spending

She further elaborated on the optimal utilization of collected taxes, stating that the government has consistently allocated more resources than it collected through cesses and surcharges over the past six years. Sitharaman insisted on the legitimate usage of these funds to support state governments in developing educational and healthcare infrastructures. The Minister emphasized that the Cesses are being effectively channeled into critical sectors that benefit the populace at large, corroborating the government’s commitment to responsible financial management.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share