Nirmala Sitharaman

Sitharaman also emphasised that efforts are underway to enhance the efficiency of Global Corporate Centres (GCCs) across India

Nirmala Sitharaman flags Rs 1.84 lakh crore in unclaimed financial assets with banks, regulators

Nirmala Sitharaman also explained that unclaimed funds are transferred between institutions depending on the nature of the asset, from banks to the RBI for deposits, and from SEBI to the IEPF for shares and other investments.

Financial institutions must maintain strong balance sheet to fund infra investments: Sitharaman

Sitharaman said state-owned banks need to engage proactively with NBFCs on co-lending for priority sector lending to enhance credit flow to the underserved sectors

GSTAT hearings to begin in December, legacy appeals capped at June 2026: FM Sitharaman

Sitharaman said that a staggered approach or mechanism will be identified to hear the priority cases first to manage the workload

Nearly Rs 2 lakh crore will be in people's hand due to GST reforms: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

With the simplification of the Goods and Services Tax from the earlier four slabs to 2 slabs, Sitharaman said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to ensure that the poor and downtrodden, middle class families and the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) largely benefit out of the GST reforms.

GST 2.0 will deliver faster refunds, relief for middle class, farmers: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

In the next phase of indirect tax reforms, the Finance Minister announced that GST 2.0 will feature faster refund mechanisms. “In GST 2.0, 90% of refunds will be automatically given,”Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Union Finance Minister, Andhra CM welcome launch of 'Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar' scheme

The scheme offers free health screenings for women ranging from blood pressure and diabetes to anaemia, tuberculosis, and cancer, along with medicines.

Making compliance easier with GST 2.0 | Beyond Averages

Besides the big rate rationalisation, the GST council also made recommendations to make compliance easier by allowing faster registration for small enterprises and making the refund process easier. How far would these reforms help with ease of doing business in India and what more can the government do push ease of doing business.

'Govt keeping good watch on rupee, several currencies weakened against dollar': FM Sitharaman

The rupee plummeted to a record low and closed at 88.27 against dollar after touching an intra-day low of 88.38 on Friday.

GST reforms to bring big relief to people who suffered huge tax burden under Congress: Ashwini Vaishnaw

The GST Council's decision to bring all products, except those under the sin and luxury goods category, under 5 per cent and 18 per cent slabs, while reducing it to zero on a host of essential items, will come into effect from September 22, the first day of Navratri.

India needs campaign for better opposition, their criticism of GST ill-informed: Nirmala Sitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman was dismissive of Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s contention that Prime Minister Narendra Modi undermined the GST Council, a constitutional body that takes all decisions related to the indirect tax regime

GST rate cut for dairy, farm inputs to benefit 10 crore farmers: Ministry of Cooperation

The GST restructuring addresses the inverted duty structure in fertiliser manufacturing and is expected to prevent price rise for farmers while ensuring timely availability of inputs during sowing seasons, the ministry said in a statement.

India’s atmanirbhar reforms doctrine is about self-respect and self-reliance: Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the government's commitment to accelerated reforms, protecting exporters, and expanding economic growth into new areas, despite the challenges posed by US tariffs. In an interview to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Sitharaman stated that India will continue buying Russian oil if it serves the economy's interests, dismissing US President Donald Trump aide Peter Navarro's remarks as a "divide and rule" tactic. The government is preparing a relief package to support industries hit hardest by the 50% US tariffs, the government is working on measures to cushion the impact, including interest subvention schemes and export credit support.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's exclusive interview to Network18: Full Text

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi

RBI has started diversifying US treasury holding and purchasing gold, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

“I don’t want divulge in to how they are diverting, but I think the RBI has taken very considered decision and they have also done by purchasing gold,” FM Sitharaman added.

Bond yields becoming unsustainably high has a big bearing on central, state govt, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Yields across short- and long-tenure bonds rose in August, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech, where he announced the Centre’s plan to rationalize the GST framework

'Petrol, diesel and alcohol to stay outside GST': FM Nirmala Sitharaman

"Not in the immediate future," Sitharaman said when asked about the timeline of their inclusion in the ambit of GST.

We are looking at every aspect of reform: FM Sitharaman on FDI, FPI liberalisation

Currently, an FPI or an investor group can hold only up to 10% equity in a listed company. More than 10% is allowed through FDI

99% of goods under GST either in zero, 5% or 18%; only 1% taxed as sin goods: FM Sitharaman

Sin goods under GST include tobacco, pan masala, gutkha, cigarettes, luxury cars, online gambling or gaming, caffeinated beverages, coal, lignite, peat, and aerated drinks.

IDBI Bank divestment is moving fast, will likely conclude by FY26: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

During an interview with Network 18 Group Editor-In-Chief Rahul Joshi, the finance minister hinted that more such stake sales can happen in the future.

FM Sitharaman says 'can’t leave exporters high and dry'; relief package to offset Trump’s tariffs soon

Sitharaman added that the package will help those industries that are hit by the 50 percent tariffs imposed by the US from August 27

S&P India sovereign rating upgrade due to constant engagement, says Finance Minister

"They (DEA and CEA) have been persistent with them, talking to them…their conversations have shown us the result," Sitharaman said, adding that the officials should continue engaging with other agencies also.

'We need more trade talks with China,' says FM Sitharaman

'I think in one or two cases we have relaxed norms for investments from China, and projects have opened for them. India is open for investments,' Sitharaman added

'Recklessness in public spending must be discouraged': FM Sitharaman on pre-poll freebie promises 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that it is one thing to have a a scheme approved and have it budgeted for and another to scramble for funds and then blame the Centre for it.

Rupee is not weakening, says FM Sitharaman

Rupee is volatile only against the dollar, and many countries are experiencing this, says Sitharaman