FM Nirmala Sitharaman: Real vote on account budget, shows our secularism in action Exclusive

A day after presenting the interim budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave an exclusive interview to CNN-News18 Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi about how it was “a budget move for the account” A real vote.”

Also Read | Nirmala Sitharaman Interview Live

“We see this as a true accounting vote, an interim budget before the election, and in presenting the interim budget we have a clear recognition that the many programs that have been launched over the last decade with the aim of empowering citizens are coming to the ground. Beneficiaries are already talking about it themselves,” she said.

Sitharaman added: “The power of word-of-mouth is very powerful. So when the beneficiaries actually get the benefits and there is no middleman involved, they will truly understand that the government’s intentions are what they say they are doing. So, I There is a lot of trust in word of mouth, which helps with schemes like PM Awas Yogana, PM Mudra Yogana, Swanadhi Yogana etc. All these benefit small families, small people who want to do business, have no money for mortgage, no property. So, since the Prime Minister is committed The vision of serving the country, this government actually serving the common people in letter and spirit, is recognized by the people themselves. It’s not that you’re showing target numbers, you’re showing achievement numbers. No, people of the ground That’s what they say, I get it. So does my neighbor. So does that person’s neighbor.”

“That’s why I used an expression, and I meant it when I said it, that’s what secularism shows up for. That’s when we don’t show that we belong to this community or that community, this religion or that religion or someone Where is there any difference between members who are relatives and non-relatives. There is no difference. The program helps everyone who deserves it. If they qualify, no matter who they are, they will get it. So, in each On the other hand, the principles of empowerment, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Vikas have been implemented in various ways. Such is the confidence that people’s blessings are not only at the time of our commitment but also now in abundance The earth came and told us, yes, you kept your promise,” FM said. .

The pre-election budget submitted by Sitharaman listed the achievements of the Modi government in the past 10 years, while also looking forward to India’s future plans to become a developed country by 2047.

Presenting the interim budget, Sitharaman said the Modi government has covered all aspects of inclusivity. She added that the people of India are looking to the future with hope and choice. Structural reforms, people-friendly programs and job opportunities have helped inject new vitality into the economy.

The medium-term budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 is in line with Indian tradition, with general elections expected to be held in April-May 2024.