News for 'Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman'

Sitharaman, 6th FM to present budget 5 times in a row

Sitharaman, 6th FM to present budget 5 times in a row

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

Other ministers who have presented five straight annual financial statements include Arun Jaitley, P Chidambaram, Yashwant Sinha, Manmohan Singh and Morarji Desai.

Nirmalaji And Why I Quit The Government

Nirmalaji And Why I Quit The Government

Rediff.com15 Jan 2024

She said I treated her like a bachchi. At another moment, she said I had gone to various people and 'bitched' about her. She also threatened to bring the entire matter to the PM's notice. A revealing excerpt from Subhash Chandra Garg's We Also Make Policy: An Insider's Account of How the Finance Ministry Functions.

Sitharaman pegs FY22 economic growth at 9.2%

Sitharaman pegs FY22 economic growth at 9.2%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the country's economic growth is expected at 9.2 per cent in the current financial year, on the back of a sharp rebound in the economy. She also said virtuous cycle of investment is expected to revive on account of capex (capital expenditure) and crowd in private investment. "Government focus since 2014 is on poor and marginalised.

What Will Keep Nirmalaji Busy This Year?

What Will Keep Nirmalaji Busy This Year?

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

Fresh plans of privatisation or divestment in central public sector enterprises and public sector banks might take a back seat this financial year because these may require a large consensus among coalition partners.

India looks for good trade agreement with US: Sitharaman

India looks for good trade agreement with US: Sitharaman

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said India is looking for a "good" trade agreement with the US to promote economic growth and ensure smooth supply chains. She also said that amid a growing global tariff war, India will have to move "smartly" to guard against possible dumping of goods from countries that are facing higher US tariffs.

FTA talks may figure in Sitharaman's London meetings

FTA talks may figure in Sitharaman's London meetings

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Issues related to the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) and bilateral investment treaty between India and the UK are expected to figure during the three-day visit of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to London from April 8-10, official sources said. The minister will attend a host of meetings, including the India-United Kingdom Economic and Financial Dialogue, in London.

Why Is Mehli Mistry Against Noel Tata?

Why Is Mehli Mistry Against Noel Tata?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Mehli Mistry is backed by three other trustees -- Pramit Jhaveri, Darius Khambata and Jehangir HC Jehangir -- against Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and the two vice-chairmen, Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh.

Sitharaman's big plans for Vishnupad, Mahabodhi corridors

Sitharaman's big plans for Vishnupad, Mahabodhi corridors

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced that comprehensive development of Vishnupad Temple corridor at Gaya and Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar will be supported by the government to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations. These corridors will be modelled on the successful Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, she said. Vishnupad Temple is one of the most ancient Hindu shrines located next to the Falgu river, while the Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key numbers to watch out for in Sitharaman's 7th Budget

Key numbers to watch out for in Sitharaman's 7th Budget

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

All eyes will be on whether Sitharaman provides the much-expected tax relief for the middle class, leaving more money in their hands, as there is tax buoyancy

Nirmala Sitharaman gets defence, Piyush Goyal gets railways

Nirmala Sitharaman gets defence, Piyush Goyal gets railways

Rediff.com3 Sep 2017

In the third reshuffle since coming to power, Prime Minister Modi raised the strength of his Council of Ministers from 73 to 76.

Not going for lockdowns in big way, says Sitharaman

Not going for lockdowns in big way, says Sitharaman

Rediff.com13 Apr 2021

Amid surging coronavirus cases in India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday made it clear that the government would not go for lockdowns in a big way and only resort to local containment. In a virtual meeting with World Bank Group president David Malpass, Sitharaman appreciated the initiatives of the World Bank to increase the lending space for India to enhance availability of finance for development.

No 'spectacular announcement' likely in February 1 Budget: Sitharaman

No 'spectacular announcement' likely in February 1 Budget: Sitharaman

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said the budget to be presented on February 1, 2024 would not have any "spectacular announcement" as it would be a vote on account in run up to the general elections. "It is a matter of truth that February 1, 2024 budget that will be announced will just be a vote on account because we will be in an election mode. "So the budget that the government presents will just be to meet the expenditure of the government till a new government comes to play," she said.

Sitharaman meets IMF chief in Washington, highlights growth measures

Sitharaman meets IMF chief in Washington, highlights growth measures

Rediff.com19 Apr 2022

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday met IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva and discussed a range of issues, including impact of geopolitical situation on global growth.

Nirmala repeats her feat, breaches another male bastion

Nirmala repeats her feat, breaches another male bastion

Rediff.com31 May 2019

Sitharaman, who became the first full-time woman defence minister in the first tenure of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government -- will also head the Corporate Affairs ministry in the new cabinet.

Plans on anvil to increase milk, dairy production

Plans on anvil to increase milk, dairy production

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced plans to increase milk and dairy production in the country. India is the largest milk producer in the world but there is low productivity, the finance minister said.

Nirmalaji Releases The Nuclear Genie

Nirmalaji Releases The Nuclear Genie

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'If the BJP detoxifies the nuclear liability law, it will bring economic, environmental and, most of all, strategic benefits.' 'Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that this Budget promise is met soon -- ideally, before Mr Modi heads to his first meeting with Trump 2.0,' observes Shekhar Gupta.

I don't eat much onion: Sitharaman in Lok Sabha

I don't eat much onion: Sitharaman in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com5 Dec 2019

The exchange came at a time when the finance minister was listing out the various measures adopted by the central government to stem rising onion prices in the country.

Naidu expunges Sitharaman's reference to Sonia Gandhi in RS

Naidu expunges Sitharaman's reference to Sonia Gandhi in RS

Rediff.com1 Aug 2022

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday expunged the references made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Sonia Gandhi in the House on July 28.

'I Won't Wait For Decades To Get Reform Done'

'I Won't Wait For Decades To Get Reform Done'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'That is going to have an impact on literally every one, whether you buy a toothpaste, a safety pin, a car, shoes or medicines or you go to a diagnostic centre.'

What Sitharaman wants public sector banks to do

What Sitharaman wants public sector banks to do

Rediff.com25 Aug 2021

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said she has requested banks to work with all state governments to push the 'one district, one product' agenda. Banks have also been requested to have interaction with export promotion agencies, chambers of commerce and industry to understand and address the requirement of exporters on a timely manner, Sitharaman said while addressing the media in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Nirmalaji and the Rising Onion

Nirmalaji and the Rising Onion

Rediff.com9 Dec 2019

Uttam Ghosh offers his take on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's remarks on the rising prices of onions in the Lok Sabha.

'Petrol, Diesel In GST? Not In Immediate Future'

'Petrol, Diesel In GST? Not In Immediate Future'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

'Tax cannot be emotional.'

Fundamentals of economy strong, inflation well contained: Sitharaman

Fundamentals of economy strong, inflation well contained: Sitharaman

Rediff.com1 Feb 2020

Presenting the Union Budget for 2020-21, Sitharaman said it is aimed at boosting income and purchasing power of people.

Govt plans to skill 20 lakh youth over 5 years

Govt plans to skill 20 lakh youth over 5 years

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The government on Tuesday announced a new centrally-sponsored scheme for skilling 20 lakh youth over the next five years. The announcement was made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024-25. The minister said that model skilling loan scheme will be revised to facilitate loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh.

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo': PM's nudge ushered in biggest GST reform in 8 yrs

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

'Ek baar aap GST dekh lo!' - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gentle nudge to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in December last year sparked the beginning of a mammoth exercise to overhaul the tangled goods and services tax regime. And the final outcome is a significantly simplified system with lower tax rates and easier compliance for businesses.

Sitharaman wanted me out: ex-finance secretary Garg

Sitharaman wanted me out: ex-finance secretary Garg

Rediff.com31 Oct 2020

Subhash Chandra Garg, the former finance secretary who was shunted out of the finance ministry within three weeks of Modi-2.0 government's first budget last year, on Saturday alleged that new Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman got him transferred out.

Dear Nirmalaji, reduce income tax

Dear Nirmalaji, reduce income tax

Rediff.com7 Jan 2021

A banker from Jaipur in Rajasthan tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar what he would like to see in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget.

Budget: Sitharaman promises 80 lakh houses under PMAY in 2022-23

Budget: Sitharaman promises 80 lakh houses under PMAY in 2022-23

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced allocation of whopping Rs 48,000 crore for completion of 80 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), both rural and urban, during the next fiscal year. In her budget speech, the minister said: "In 2022-23, 80 lakh houses will be completed for the identified eligible beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana, both rural and urban. Rs 48,000 crore is allocated for this purpose." The Centre would work with states for reduction of time required for all land and construction related approvals, for promoting affordable housing for middle-class and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in urban areas, she said.

Shapoorji Pallonji calls for public listing of Tata Sons

Shapoorji Pallonji calls for public listing of Tata Sons

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

SP Group chairman Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry on Friday reiterated calls for public listing of Tata Sons to bring transparency, amid infighting among trustees of Tata Trusts which controls a 66 per cent stake in the holding company of the salt-to-software conglomerate. Shapoorji Pallonji family is the single largest minority shareholder with about 18.37 per cent in Tata Sons.

Rules on retro tax to be framed soon: Sitharaman

Rules on retro tax to be framed soon: Sitharaman

Rediff.com16 Aug 2021

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the rules that will lead to scrapping of the retrospective tax demands made on companies such as Cairn Energy Plc and Vodafone Plc will be framed soon. Parliament earlier this month passed a bill to scrap all tax demands made using the 2012 retrospective tax legislations. The bill provides for government refunding the retro tax to companies provided all legal challenges are withdrawn.

Pahalgam attack: Modi chairs crucial cabinet meet on security

Pahalgam attack: Modi chairs crucial cabinet meet on security

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Shah briefed the prime minister on the attack and discussed the measures to be taken in its aftermath.

FM unveils simpler tax law, middle class gets relief

FM unveils simpler tax law, middle class gets relief

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday unveiled 'transformative' tax reforms that ranged from a simpler income tax law to higher TCS threshold for remittances and income tax benefits for middle class.

Ministers' salaries, perks get higher Budget allocation

Ministers' salaries, perks get higher Budget allocation

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs 1,024.30 crore for expenses incurred by the Council of Ministers, the Cabinet Secretariat and the Prime Minister's Office, and for hospitality and entertainment of state guests. The allocated amount is a bit more than the Rs 1,021.83 crore earmarked in 2024-25.

New I-T Bill next week; 100% FDI in insurance sector

New I-T Bill next week; 100% FDI in insurance sector

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The government will introduce a new Income Tax bill next week to take forward the "trust first, scrutinise later" concept, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday. In another major reform move, the minister announced that the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector will be increased to 100 per cent from 74 per cent.

66% hike in Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana outlay

66% hike in Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana outlay

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced a 66 per cent hike in the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana (PMAY) outlay to Rs 79,000 crore.

Govt announces 9 priorities in Budget

Govt announces 9 priorities in Budget

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced nine priorities in the Union Budget 2024-25 for generating ample opportunities in the economy. The nine priorities include productivity, jobs, social justice, urban development, energy security, infrastructure, innovation and reforms.

Nirmala, Kejriwal take COVID-19 vaccine

Nirmala, Kejriwal take COVID-19 vaccine

Rediff.com4 Mar 2021

Here's a look at just some of the bigwigs who took the anti-Covid jab.

Sitharaman urges fintech cos to engage more with govt

Sitharaman urges fintech cos to engage more with govt

Rediff.com20 Sep 2022

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday nudged the fintech industry to break the distance barrier and have more engagements with the government and its agencies to enhance trust. Sitharaman was replying to a question by Kris Gopalakrishnan, chairman, Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2022 advisory board, who wanted to know how to ensure trust among industry, regulators, and the government. "I don't want to sound cliche, but distance brings distrust. "So, cut the distance down, have greater engagement with the government," the minister said.

'I Can't Say On September 22, I Will Be With A Stick'

'I Can't Say On September 22, I Will Be With A Stick'

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

'I am doing the drive in making sure that people pass this on. So the drive is not with distrust. The drive is just in case.' 'Just in case it doesn't get passed on, I am here.'

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The resilience of the economy and strength of domestic demand will continue to make India an engine of growth amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape as a result of US tariffs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in London on Tuesday.