Watch Live Telecast of Budget 2019
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present Budget in Parliament today
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present Budget in the Parliament today. She will be presenting the Budget for the first time as the Finance Minister.
Delhi: MoS Finance Anurag Thakur offers prayers ahead of Budget 2019
Delhi: MoS Finance Anurag Thakur offers prayers ahead of Budget 2019. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the Budget at 11 am in Lok Sabha today.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at Ministry of Finance
Delh: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at Ministry of Finance. She will present the Budget 2019 today at 11 am in Lok Sabha.
Nirmala Sitharaman, Anurag Thakur, other officials outside Finance Ministry
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MoS Finance Anurag Thakur, Finance Secretary S C Garg, Chief Economic Advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian and other officials outside Finance Ministry. Budget 2019 to be presented at 11 am in Lok Sabha today.
It symbolizes our departure from slavery of Western thought: Krishnamurthy Subramanian on FM Nirmala Sitharaman keeping budget documents in red cloth instead of a briefcase
Chief Economic Advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian on FM Nirmala Sitharaman keeping budget documents in four fold red cloth instead of a briefcase: It is in Indian tradition. It symbolizes our departure from slavery of Western thought. It is not a budget but a 'bahi khata'(ledger).
(Source: ANI)
FM Nirmala Sitharaman meets President Ramnath Kovind before presenting Union Budget
Rashtrapati Bhavan: As per tradition, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman calls on President Ramnath Kovind before presenting the Union Budget.
(Source: ANI)
FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Anurag Thakur arrive at Parliament
Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and MoS Finance Anurag Thakur arrive at the Parliament.
Delhi: Copies of Budget 2019 brought to Parliament
Delhi: Copies of Budget 2019 have been brought to the Parliament. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget in Lok Sabha at 11 AM today.
(Source: ANI)
Union Cabinet meeting begins in Parliament
Union Cabinet meeting begins in Parliament.
(Source: ANI)
Delhi: Parents of FM Nirmala Sitharaman arrive at the Parliament
Delhi: Parents of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman - Savitri and Narayanan Sitharaman - arrive at the Parliament. She will present her maiden Budget at 11 AM in Lok Sabha.
Union cabinet approves Budget 2019, FM Nirmala Sitharaman to present it in Lok Sabha shortly
Union cabinet approves Budget 2019. It will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Lok Sabha shortly.
(Source: ANI)
Recent election was charged with brimming home and desire for a bright and stable 'New India': Nirmala Sitharaman
FM Nirmala Sitharaman: The recent election was charged with brimming home and desire for a bright and stable 'New India'. Voter turnout was highest; every section came to stamp their approval for performing Government.
(Source: ANI)
Nirmala Sitharaman presents her maiden Budget in Parliament, says voters stamped approval on a performing govt
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rises to present her maiden Budget Speech. She started the speech by thanking the voters for re-electing the Modi government, while adding that India has stamped its approval on a performing government as BJP worked to empower the citizens, following the motto of Mazboot Bharat ke liye Mazboot Nagarik.
Yakeen ho to koi raasta niklata hai, hawa ki ot: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: An Urdu couplet 'Yakeen ho to koi raasta niklata hai, hawa ki ot(protection) bhi le kar charagh jalta hai'
(Source: ANI)
First term of PM Narendra Modi led NDA govt stood out as a performing govt: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Lok Sabha: The first term of PM Narendra Modi led NDA govt stood out as a performing govt. Between 2014-2019 he provided a rejuvenated centre-state dynamics, cooperative federalism, GST council and strident commitment to fiscal discipline.
(Source: ANI)
India will grow to become USD 3 trillion economy in the current year itself, says Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: The Indian economy will grow to become a $3 trillion economy in the current year itself. It is now the sixth largest in the world. 5 years ago it was at the 11th position.
(Source: ANI)
Took 55 years to make India $1 trillion economy, we added as much in 5 years, says Nirmala Sitharaman
"It took 55 years to make India a $1 trillion economy. However, now when trust and aasha resides in people's hearts, we managed to add another $1 trillion within the last five years alone," Sitharaman said.
(Source: ANI)
Chanakya Neeti sutra says 'Kaarya purusha kare na lakshyam sampa dayate': Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Chanakya Neeti sutra says 'Kaarya purusha kare na lakshyam sampa dayate'. Meaning with determined human efforts the task will surely be completed.
(Source: ANI)
Nirmala Sitharaman speaks of reforming transport facilities
One of the first sectors Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman touched upon in her speech was the transport sector. She underscored the government's commitment to Udaan scheme, water transport and road transport to pit the rural-urban divide. She said that we will ensure that the National Highway grid is developed with an apt financial model. She also spoke about enhancing the navigational capacity of Ganga river.
Schemes such as 'Bharatmala', 'Sagarmala' and UDAN are bridging the rural and urban divide, says Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Schemes such as 'Bharatmala', 'Sagarmala' and UDAN are bridging the rural and urban divide, improving our transport infrastructure
(Source: ANI)
India Inc are India's job creators, nation's wealth creators: FM
FM: We don't look down upon legitimate profit earning. Gone are the days of policy paralysis & license quota control regime. India Inc are India's job creators, nation's wealth creators. Together with mutual trust we can gain, catalyse past & attain sustained growth.
(Source: ANI)
Government envisions using rivers for cargo transport,it will also decongest roads and railways: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Comprehensive restructuring of National Highways Programme will be done, to ensure the creation of National Highways Grid of desirable capacity.Government envisions using rivers for cargo transport,it will also decongest roads and railways.
(Source: ANI)
Launched UDAY in'15 for financial&op turnaround of DISCOMs: FM
FM: Launched UDAY in'15 for financial&op turnaround of DISCOMs. We're examining performance&it'll be improved.We'll work with state govts to remove barriers, cross subsidy,surcharges,undesirable duties on open access sales,or captive generation for industrial&bulk power consumers.
(Source: ANI)
Railway infrastructure would need an investment of Rs 50 lakh crores between 2018 and 2030: Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Railway infrastructure would need an investment of Rs 50 lakh crores between 2018 and 2030. PPP to be used to unleash faster development and the delivery of passenger freight services.
(Source: ANI)
Blueprint for a national gas grid, water grid, i-ways and airports to be unveiled: FM
Blueprint for a national gas grid, water grid, i-ways and airports to be unveiled, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman
(Source: PTI)
Nirmala Sitharaman launches new pension scheme for small retail traders
FM Nirmala Sitharaman: Rs 350 cr allocated for 2% interest subvention for all GST-registered MSMEs on fresh or incremental loans. Pension for shopkeepers & retailers with turnover less than Rs. 1.5 crore to be launched under Pradhan Mantri Karma Yogi Maan Dhan Scheme.
(Source: ANI)
Expect package for power sector soon, says Nirmala Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman said that a financial package for the power sector will also be announced soon.
(Source: IANS)
Govt will invite suggestions for FDI in aviation sector, media, animation AVGC, insurance sectors: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Govt will invite suggestions for further opening up of FDI in aviation sector, media, animation AVGC and insurance sectors in consultation with all stakeholders. 100% FDI will be permitted for insurance intermediaries
(Source: ANI)
Govt will create a payment platform for MSMEs for payment of bills: FM
Government will create a payment platform for MSMEs for payment of bills, says Nirmala Sitharaman. Govt allocated Rs 350 cr towards interest subvention for MSMEs for 2019-20, she added.
(Source: PTI)
FAME II scheme aims to encourage faster adoption of electric vehicles by right incentives and charging infra: FM
FAME II scheme aims to encourage faster adoption of electric vehicles by right incentives and charging infra, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman
(Source: PTI)
It's right time to consider increasing minimum public shareholding in the listed companies: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: It's right time to consider increasing minimum public shareholding in the listed companies, I have asked SEBI to consider raising the current threshold of 25% to 35%.
(Source: ANI)
User friendliness of trading platforms for corporate bonds will be reviewed: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: User friendliness of trading platforms for corporate bonds will be reviewed, including issues arising out of capping of International Securities Identification Number.
(Source: ANI)
To deepen corporate tri-party repo market in corporate debt securities, govt will work with regulators RBI & SEBI: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: To deepen corporate tri-party repo market in corporate debt securities, govt will work with regulators RBI & SEBI to enable stock exchanges to allow AA rated bonds as collaterals.
(Source: ANI)
1.95 crore houses proposed to be provided under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Grameen by 2021: FM
1.95 crore houses proposed to be provided under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Grameen by 2021, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman
(Source: ANI)
Annual Global Investors' meet to be organized in India, using NIIF as the anchor to get key sets of global players: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Annual Global Investors' Meet to be organized in India, using National Investment and Infrastructure Fund(NIIF) as the anchor to get key sets of global players to come and invest in India:
(Source: ANI)
With the changing economic scenario it's important to upgrade roads connecting villages to rural markets: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: With the changing economic scenario it's important to upgrade roads connecting villages to rural markets. For this Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana phase 3 is envisaged to upgrade 1,25,000 km of road length over the next 5 years.
(Source: ANI)
India has emerged as a major space power: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: India has emerged as a major space power. It is time to harness our ability commercially. To harness India's space ability commercially, a public sector enterprise, New Space India Limited (NSIL) has been incorporated to tap benefits of ISRO.
(Source: ANI)
Electricity, cooking gas for every rural household by 2022: Finance Minister
Electricity, cooking gas for every rural household by 2022, says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
(Source: IANS)
Electronic Fundraising Platform to be set up to list social enterprises, voluntary organizations working for social welfare objectives: FM
Electronic Fundraising Platform, a social stock exchange, to be set up to list social enterprises and voluntary organizations working for social welfare objectives, says FM Niramal Sitharaman
(Source: PTI)
More than 5.6 lakh villages have become open defecation free: FM Sitharaman
FM Sitharaman: 9.6 crore toilets have been constructed since Oct 2, 2014. More than 5.6 lakh villages have become open defecation free.We have to build on this success. I propose to expand the Swachh Bharat mission to undertake sustainable sold waste management in every village. Generating renewable energy. Ann daata ko kyun oorja daata bana nahi sakte?
(Source: ANI)
We'll invest widely in agricultural infrastructure: FM
FM: We'll invest widely in agricultural infrastructure. We'll support pvt entrepreneurship in driving value addition to farmers produce & those from allied activities too, like bamboo, timber & also for generating renewable energy. Ann daata ko kyun oorja daata bana nahi sakte?
(Source: ANI)
NRI portfolio investment route to be merged with foreign portfolio investment route: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: To provide Non-resident Indians (NRIs) seamless access to Indian equities, NRI portfolio investment route to be merged with foreign portfolio investment route.
(Source: ANI)
1,25,000 km of roads will be upgraded under Pradhan Gram Sadak Yojana under Phase III at estimated cost of Rs 80,250 crore: FM
1,25,000 KM of roads will be upgraded under Pradhan Gram Sadak Yojana under Phase III at estimated cost of Rs 80,250 crore, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman
(Source: PTI)
100 new clusters will be set up in 2019-20 to enable 50,000 artisans to come into economic value chain: FM
100 new clusters will be set up in 2019-20 to enable 50,000 artisans to come into economic value chain, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman
(Source: PTI)
Nirmala Sitharaman talks of revolutionising gramin Bharat with 'zero budget farming'
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that although zero budget farming is not a new thing, she would like to shift focus on going back to the roots and reassess the implementation of zero budget farming. She also said that ten thousand new farmer producer organisations (FPOs) will come up for ensuring market reach for farmers.
Govt will ensure har ghar jal by 2024
Lauding the government's step to form a separate Jal Shakti mantralaya, Sitharaman said that the government will look at the management of water resources and supply, work with states to ensure 'Har Ghar Jal' (water in every household) by 2024.
India will be made Open Defecation Free on October 2nd as per the dream of PM Modi: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Happy and satisfied to report that India will be made Open Defecation Free on October 2nd, 2019, as per the dream of PM Modi
(Source: ANI)
'Naari tu Narayaani', government believes that we can progress, with greater women participation: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: I draw attention to the women of India, 'Naari tu Narayaani'. This Government believes that we can progress, with greater women participation.
(Source: ANI)
Under PMAY, 26 Lakh houses have been completed of which nearly 24 Lakh houses have been delivered: FM
FM: Under PMAY (Urban), over 81 Lakh houses with investment of about Rs 4.83 Lakh Cr have been sanctioned of which construction has started in about 47 Lakh houses. Over 26 Lakh houses have been completed of which nearly 24 Lakh houses have been delivered, to beneficiaries.
(Source: ANI)
Govt proposes setting up of exclusive TV channel for startups: FM
Government proposes setting up of exclusive TV channel for startups, says FM
(Source: PTI)
India to focus on training new age skills like AI, robotics, 3D printing: Nirmala Sitharaman
Major economies to face labour shortage. India to focus on training new age skills like AI, robotics, 3D printing, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman.
(Source: PTI)
National Sports Education Board for development of sportspersons to be set up under Khelo India: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: To popularise sports at all levels, National Sports Education Board for development of sportspersons to be set up under Khelo India.
(Source: PTI)
Govt decided to open Indian embassies and high commissions in countries where India doesn't have a resident diplomatic mission: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: To give further impetus to India's growing influence and leadership in the international community, Govt decided to open Indian embassies and high commissions in countries where India doesn't have a resident diplomatic mission as yet.
(Source: ANI)
NPAs down by Rs 1 lakh crore in the last one year: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Non-performing asset(NPAs) recovery of Rs 4 lakh crore over the last four years, NPAs down by Rs 1 lakh crore in the last one year. (Source: ANI)
Aadhaar Card for NRIs with Indian passports
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: I propose to consider issuing Aadhaar Card for Non Resident Indians (NRIs) with Indian passports after their arrival in India without waiting for the mandatory 180 days.
(Source: ANI)
'Gandhipedia' is being developed to sensitize the youth about positive Gandhian values: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Gandhipedia' is being developed to sensitize the youth about positive Gandhian values.
(Source: ANI)
SHG Interest Subvention Programme to be expanded to all districts in India: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: To further encourage women entrepreneurship, Women Self Help Group(SHG) Interest Subvention Programme to be expanded to all districts in India.
(Source: ANI)
India's sovereign external debt to GDP is among the lowest globally at less than 5%: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: India's sovereign external debt to GDP is among the lowest globally at less than 5%. Govt will start raising a part of its gross borrowing program in external markets in external currencies. (Source: ANI)
Govt will develop 17 tourist destinations
"The government is developing 17 iconic tourism sites as world-class tourist centres to improve the flow of domestic and foreign tourists to these destinations. Documentaries with anthropological details will be stored for tourists," says Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha.
Govt to allocate Rs 70,000 cr for PSU Bank recapitalisation
"The government has proposed to allocate Rs 70,000 crore for PSU Bank recapitalisation. One-time six month partial credit guarantee to buy pooled assets of sound NBFCs. The government proposes Rs 100 lakh crore investment for infrastructure over 5 years," says Nirmala Sitharaman.
Govt has been following policy of disinvestment, maintaining govt's stake not to go below 51%: FM
FM:Govt has been following policy of disinvestment in non-financial public sector undertakings, maintaining govt's stake not to go below 51%.Govt is considering,in case where undertaking is still to be retained in govt control,to go below 51% to an apt level on case to case basis.
(Source: ANI)
People with annual income under 5 lakhs exempt from Income Tax
People with annual income under 5 lakhs exempt from Income Tax, annouces FM Nirmala Sitharaman
(Source: ANI)
New series of coins of Re 1, Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20 will be made available for public use shortly: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: A new series of coins of Re 1, Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20 easily identifiable to the visually impaired were released by the PM on 7th March 2019. These coins will be made available for public use shortly.
(Source: ANI)
GST council to lower the GST rate on electric vehicles from 12% to 5%: FM
FM: Government has already moved GST council to lower the GST rate on electric vehicles(EV) from 12% to 5%. Also to make EVs affordable for consumers our Govt will provide additional income tax deduction of 1.5 lakh rupees on the interest paid on the loans taken to purchase EVs.
(Source: ANI)
Govt expands tax net on corporates
Nirmala Sitharaman said, "A lower rate of 25 percent is currently applicable to companies having an annual turover of upto Rs 250 crores. I propose to include all companies having an annual income of over Rs 400 crore." She added that this will bring in 99.3 percent of all companies into the tax net and leave out only 0.4 percent companies.
Nirmala Sitharaman proposes to make Aadhaar, PAN interchangeable for ITR
FM: More than 120 crore Indians now have Aadhar card, therefore for ease of tax payers I propose to make PAN card and Aadhar card interchangeable and allow those who don't have PAN to file returns by simply quoting Aadhar number and use it wherever they require to use PAN.
(Source: ANI)
Strategic disinvestment of select Central Public Sector Enterprises will continue to be a priority: Nirmala Sitharama
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama: Strategic disinvestment of select Central Public Sector Enterprises will continue to be a priority; strategic disinvestment of Air India will re-initiate; Rs 1 lakh 5 thousand is disinvestment target for 2019-20.
(Source: ANI)
Additional tax deduction of Rs 1.50 lakh on interest paid on home loans taken up to March 2020: FM
Government proposes additional tax deduction of Rs 1.50 lakh on interest paid on home loans taken up to March 2020, says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. (Source: PTI)
Fiscal deficit this year is 3.3%, brought down from 3.4%: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: The fiscal deficit this year is 3.3%, brought down from 3.4%.
(Source: ANI)
I propose to extend this benefit to category 2 alternative investment funds also: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: At present startups are not required to justify fair market value of their shares issued to certain investors including category 1 alternative investment funds. I propose to extend this benefit to category 2 alternative investment funds also.
(Source: ANI)
Increase special additional excise duty and road and infrastructure cess each one by 1 rupee a litre on petrol and diesel: FM
FM Nirmala Sitharaman: I propose to increase special additional excise duty and road and infrastructure cess each one by 1 rupee a litre on petrol and diesel.
(Source: ANI)
All companies having annual turnover of 400 crores, will now be under the bracket of 25%: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: All companies having annual turnover of 400 crores, will now be under the bracket of 25%. This will cover 99.3% of all the companies.
(Source: ANI)
To resolve the so-called Angel Tax issue, the startups & their investors who file requisite declarations&provide information in their returns: FM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: To resolve the so-called Angel Tax issue, the startups & their investors who file requisite declarations&provide information in their returns will not be subjected to any kind of scrutiny in respect of valuations of share premiums.
(Source: ANI)
Tax structure will simply and infrastructure will modernize: PM Narendra Modi on Budget 2019
PM Narendra Modi: Ye desh ko samridh aur jan jan ko samarth banane wala budget hai. Is budget se gareeb ko bal milega. yuva ko behtar kal milega. The middle class will progress with this budget, development work will expedite even more. The tax structure will simply and infrastructure will modernize. The budget for a New India has a roadmap to transform the agriculture sector of the country, this budget is one of hope.
(Source: ANI)