New Delhi: Amid the ongoing attacks by Opposition in Parliament over high unemployment, privatisation and other issues, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday replied to the Budged debate in Lok Sabha.
In her reply, FM Sitharaman attacked the Congress and said that the grand old party brought reforms under compulsion. She also said that the inflation was in double-digit during the previous UPA regime.
There was indeed Andha Kal (dark age) in the country, but it was during the Congress rule, the Finance Minister said adding that rampant corruption, double-digit inflation, policy paralysis were part of the dark age under Congress rule.
Further highlighting Modi government's work, FM Sitharaman said that 44 unicorns have been identified in this country. "They have created wealth. They showcase India's talent and innovation. This has happened between 2020 and 2021," she said.
She also pointed out that 44.58 crore accounts under Jan Dhan Yojana with Rs 1.57 lakh crore worth of deposits were opened in the financial year 2021-2022.
Furthermore, Sitharaman said that MGNAREGA is a demand-driven programme, adding that as and when there is demand through the supplementary demand for grants, we (govt) give the additional required amount.
Boasting government's effort to push electricity in every part of the country, the Finance Minister said that every village has been electrified in India. 'Andhkaal' (time of darkness) prevailed during their (Congress) rule, whereas now every house has got electricity in every village, she added.
While explaining government's intention to boost employment in the country, FM Sitharaman pointed out that Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has created 1.2 crore additional employment since its launch in 2015.