All promises made in 2014, 2019 enforced: Nirmala Sitharaman on nine years of NDA

Reflecting on the National Democratic Alliance’s nine years of governance, Sitharaman discussed various subjects and highlighted the achievements across sectors under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Speaking on taxation, the Finance Minister said, “Tax has become faceless in its assessment because we trust people and in return, people trust the PM.” She added, “The list of welfare schemes under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana run long… All the promises made in 2014 and 2019 poll manifesto have been enforced.”

Sitharaman provided specific examples, stating, “In nine years, 3.5 crore houses have been constructed, thus, fulfilling the promise of housing for all. The dignity of women restored through construction of 11.72 crore toilets.The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provided 9.6 crore cooking gas connections. The Centre had taken world’s largest food security scheme by extending free food grain and pulses to 80 crore people for two years.”

She also mentioned achievements in healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture. “In last seven decades, there were 74 airports. In nine months, 74 new airports were built. There were 111 inland waterways projects. The metros have come up in 15 cities. The world’s largest tunnel named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee has been built in Lahaul Spiti, which is a record. The five-decade-old incomplete Koliam bypass in Kerala was completed. To bridge the gap between backward districts, Centre gave a boost to 116 aspirational districts. Now, it is being taken to aspirational blocks,” Sitharaman stated.

Regarding the recall of Rs 2,000 notes by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Sitharaman responded to criticism from Congress leader P Chidambaram, saying, “The decision on the Rs 2,000 note was taken by the RBI… It was wrong to cast aspersions on a matter like a currency decision taken by the central bank and make comparisons with other countries.”

On the issue of unclaimed deposits and assets with banks, Sitharaman said, “It is a complex issue which has to be tackled carefully… Where legal heir issues remain unresolved, it takes time. As it entails legal aspects.” She added that she would hold discussions with regulators to “launch an awareness drive and campaigns to ensure rightful claimants receive it.”