News for 'Nirmala Sitharaman'

The Hotelier Who BJP Apologised To

The Hotelier Who BJP Apologised To

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Sree Annapoorna Sree Gowri Shankar is a familiar name across the country. With over 1,500 employees, it is renowned for its filter coffee and Keerai Vada throughout Tamil Nadu. Its operating revenues range from Rs 100 crore to Rs 500 crore.

Sitharaman discards briefcase, carries 'bahi-khata'

Sitharaman discards briefcase, carries 'bahi-khata'

Rediff.com5 Jul 2019

Sitharaman is presenting the full Budget for 2019-20. She is carrying the Budget documents in a red silk bag with national emblem.

'This Is An Andhra Pradesh-Bihar Budget'

'This Is An Andhra Pradesh-Bihar Budget'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

From the word go, Bihar growled its needs out when an MP from the state said aloud: "Give something for Bihar also, Madam." Every time the Budget mentioned cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh, "Kursi Bachao" was the call from Congress MPs.

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia to take stock of the situation following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The meeting also included Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The attack, which killed at least 26 people, including tourists from the UAE and Nepal, has sparked nationwide shock and outrage.

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.

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The message from Sunday's event will undoubtedly reverberate globally. It's a landmark occasion that will be remembered for generations and will inspire many other states to introduce the story of Rajendra Chola into school curricula, says Tarun Vijay.

Nirmalaji Eyes Higher GDP Growth Target

Nirmalaji Eyes Higher GDP Growth Target

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

'The nominal GDP growth assumption for FY25 may be revised upwards on higher growth expectations.'

What Centre Will Shell Out For AP, Bihar

What Centre Will Shell Out For AP, Bihar

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

While Andhra Pradesh is expected to receive Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore, Bihar is likely to get Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore in FY25.

Budget 2024: Sitharaman unveils road map for 'Viksit Bharat'

Budget 2024: Sitharaman unveils road map for 'Viksit Bharat'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget proposals lay out a comprehensive road map for transforming India into a developed nation, focusing on key priorities that aim to generate ample opportunities for all citizens in "Viksit Bharat". It sets the stage for sustained economic growth, social development, and technological advancement.

Rs 47.66 lakh cr: Size of Sitharaman's sixth budget

Rs 47.66 lakh cr: Size of Sitharaman's sixth budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The size of Budget 2024-25 has increased 6.1 per cent to Rs 47.66 lakh crore because of the rise in expenditure and higher allocation for capital expenditure and social sector schemes.

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.

'Sensex Is Barometer Of Economy And Capital Markets'

'Sensex Is Barometer Of Economy And Capital Markets'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

'BSE has facilitated nearly Rs 35 trillion in capital raising across multiple segments.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

Health budget up by 11%, daycare cancer centres announced

Health budget up by 11%, daycare cancer centres announced

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Union health ministry has been allocated Rs 99,858.56 crore in the Budget 2025-2026, an around 11 per cent hike over the Rs 89,974.12 crore in the budget (revised estimates) of 2024-2025 with the government announcing setting up daycare cancer centres at all district hospitals over the next three years.

Is It Time To Smile, Nirmalaji?

Is It Time To Smile, Nirmalaji?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

Now that the economy is growing at a higher-than-expected rate, it is time to accelerate the pace of fiscal consolidation, and the Budget could be a good starting point, argues Rajesh Kumar.

Govt seeks Parl nod for additional Rs 2 lakh cr spend

Govt seeks Parl nod for additional Rs 2 lakh cr spend

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

The supplementary demands for grants include a gross additional spending of over Rs 2 lakh crore, which would be matched by savings of over Rs 1.21 lakh crore.

Rs 200 Billion For Bharat Small Reactors

Rs 200 Billion For Bharat Small Reactors

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Whether the ambitious targets are achievable is a moot question as India's earlier target was 20,000 MW of nuclear power by 2020.

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.

Sitharaman to present sixth Budget in a row

Sitharaman to present sixth Budget in a row

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her sixth straight Budget ahead of the Parliamentary elections, matching the record of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Sitharaman in her pre-election Budget, which technically is a vote on account and popularly termed an interim Budget, will seek Parliament's nod for a grant in advance to meet the central government's essential expenditure for the first four months of the new fiscal year that starts in April. A new government elected after the April/May general elections will present the full Budget, likely in July.

Watch Live! Sitharaman's 2nd financial stimulus announcement

Watch Live! Sitharaman's 2nd financial stimulus announcement

Rediff.com14 May 2020

After unveiling a range of relief measures - primarily targeting the MSME and business segment - on Wednesday, Sitharaman is expected to, in her second tranche of financial stimulus, focus on the poor and farm sector.

Sitharaman on freebies promised by political parties

Sitharaman on freebies promised by political parties

Rediff.com27 Aug 2022

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said political parties that come to power on pre-poll promises of freebies should pay for those through budgetary provisions. Citing the example of free electricity being promised in many states, the finance minister said the burden for the freebies should not be thrust upon the power discoms or gencos. "If a promise has been made to the people at the time of the election, you are looking at a quid pro quo. "You should be, as a responsible party, assume after you come to power, make a provision in the budget for it," Sitharaman said, speaking at the FE Best Bank Awards event.

Why Must We Have 7 I-T Categories?

Why Must We Have 7 I-T Categories?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'The finance minister missed yet another opportunity to simplify the income tax structure in the Budget.' 'This was an opportune moment to get rid of the old tax system entirely and move fully to the new system,' asserts M Govinda Rao, member of the 14th Finance Commission.

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.

What's Nirmalaji doing on the high seas?

What's Nirmalaji doing on the high seas?

Rediff.com26 Nov 2021

The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman undertook a day long review of the Customs activities at Nhava Sheva in Raigad district off the Mumbai coast on November 25.

Budget 2024: Mobile phones, gold, silver get cheaper

Budget 2024: Mobile phones, gold, silver get cheaper

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The FM proposed reduction in basic customs duty on gold and silver to 6 per cent and platinum to 6.4 per cent.

Survey on how India can build quality infrastructure

Survey on how India can build quality infrastructure

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

A higher level of private sector financing and resource mobilisation from new sources will be crucial for India to build quality infrastructure, according to the Economic Survey 2023-24. The Economic Survey 2023-24 was tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday.

'Band-aid for bullet wounds': Oppn slams Budget, says poll-centric

'Band-aid for bullet wounds': Oppn slams Budget, says poll-centric

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

India's opposition parties have sharply criticized the Union Budget, calling it inadequate to address the country's economic woes and accusing the BJP-led government of using it to woo voters in Bihar and Delhi ahead of upcoming elections. Leaders from the Congress, TMC, DMK, SP, and CPI(M) voiced their disapproval, highlighting concerns over inflation, unemployment, and the lack of substantial measures to support the agricultural sector and the poor. They also criticized the tax cuts for the middle class as insufficient and coming too late after years of high taxes and rising prices.

Govt May Cut Small Savings Rates

Govt May Cut Small Savings Rates

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The interest rate on these schemes have remained unchanged for over a year now.

Govt to provide Rs 11.11 lakh cr towards capex

Govt to provide Rs 11.11 lakh cr towards capex

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The government will provide Rs 11.11 lakh crore for capital expenditure for 2024-25 and introduce viability gap funding to spur private investment in infrastructure, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday. Presenting the Union Budget for FY2024-25, she said that the government will endeavour to maintain strong fiscal support for infrastructure over the next five years, in conjunction with imperatives of other priorities and fiscal consolidation.

Govt to launch 3 employment-linked schemes, says FM

Govt to launch 3 employment-linked schemes, says FM

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

These schemes will be based on enrolment in Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha.

India now world's 5th largest economy: Sitharaman

India now world's 5th largest economy: Sitharaman

Rediff.com1 Feb 2020

Sitharaman also listed out various welfare schemes like affordable housing, direct benefit transfer and Ayushman Bharat.

What Nirmalaji told India's taxmen

What Nirmalaji told India's taxmen

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday asked tax officers to use simple language in income tax communications so that notices do not instil fear in the minds of taxpayers. Advising the income tax officers not to take "disproportionate" action and use enforcement measures only, as the last resort, Sitharaman said tax officers should use "power judiciously".

Will Nirmalaji Cheer The Markets?

Will Nirmalaji Cheer The Markets?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

'We are confident that over the next few years the government will strike a fine balance between populist measures and growth, and manage coalition partners well.'

'No Plan To Phase Out Old I-T Regime'

'No Plan To Phase Out Old I-T Regime'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'Going forward, the encouragement would be to move to the new tax regime.'

Govt keeping eye on inflation: Sitharaman in RS

Govt keeping eye on inflation: Sitharaman in RS

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the government is keeping an eye on inflation which is purely "extraneous" nowadays because of fuel and fertiliser prices. Replying to the debat on the Supplementary Demands for Grants in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said wholesale inflation has fallen to a 21-month low. Later, the Rajya Sabha returned the Supplementary Demands for Grants to the Lok Sabha, thus completing the process of authorising the government to spend an additional Rs 3.25 lakh crore in FY2022-23.

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.

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.