Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the government is continuously taking steps to develop the country and fulfil the aspirations of 140 crore Indians.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Bill 2026: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a scathing attack on the opposition while responding to the House discussion on the Finance Bill 2026. She said on Wednesday that while economic reforms were previously undertaken out of compulsion, they are now being implemented with resolve and commitment. She added that the country is now moving forward with speed and consistency aboard the "reform express."

Ease of living improved

The Finance Minister stated that the government is continuously taking steps to develop the country and fulfill the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. He explained that a trust-based tax system has been developed to ensure that honest taxpayers do not face any difficulties.

Sitharaman also said that some opposition members ridiculed the "ease of living" and "ease of doing business," but the government is continuously improving both areas. She said that we are empowering MSMEs, farmers, and the cooperative sector, as they are vital to the country's development. Provisions have been made in the Finance Bill to strengthen them.

data centre in use

The Finance Minister stated that there is also an emphasis on making India a global business hub and that the Finance Bill includes several important provisions for the middle class. She  added that 17 life-saving medicines have been exempted from basic customs duty to provide relief to the common people.

She also pointed out that more revenue has been transferred to the states under various heads than was collected through cess and surcharges. Furthermore, $17 billion in investments are being utilized in the data centre sector in the country, a major step towards strengthening digital infrastructure.