Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 14: An interactive session with union finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, was held at the TV Raman Pai Convention Centre in Mangaluru, attracting journalists, media representatives, college students, and families. The session provided a platform for candid discussions on the nation's economic outlook, reforms, and future strategies.

In her opening address, Sitharaman emphasized the resilience of the Indian economy despite global challenges such as geopolitical shifts, inflation, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. She underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to sustaining high economic growth and addressing structural issues across various sectors.

During the session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman discussed India's robust economic climate and its adaptability amidst global uncertainties. She highlighted various measures implemented by the government to tackle inflation and promote steady growth, stressing the nation’s commitment to economic stability. She also emphasized the government's focus on key growth sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure, pointing out that ongoing reforms are aimed at improving the ease of doing business and attracting more investments.

Sitharaman underscored India’s emergence as a global technology hub, driven by initiatives like Digital India and reforms in the Information Technology sector. These efforts have positioned the country as a favored destination for tech investments. The Finance Minister also praised government-backed internship programmes under the Skill India mission, noting that these initiatives offer valuable industry exposure to students and young professionals, thereby addressing skill shortages and enhancing employability.

Discussing financial sector reforms, Sitharaman highlighted the recapitalization of banks, initiatives for financial inclusion, and new frameworks supporting startups and fintech companies. These measures are designed to strengthen the financial sector and encourage private sector growth. She further emphasized the government’s achievements in digital transformation, which have accelerated modernization across various economic activities, reiterating that digitalization remains a key catalyst for India's economic progress.

During an open Q&A session, participants posed over 300 questions, with a select few being addressed directly by the finance minister. Sitharaman answered with clarity and transparency, offering insights into the government’s strategies on tax reforms, financial sector stability, and other pressing economic issues.

One of the standout moments was when a young boy asked about important financial lessons for youth. The finance minister responded thoughtfully, emphasizing the need for financial literacy and basic money management skills, such as budgeting, saving, and investing. She stressed that early financial education is crucial for making informed decisions and securing a stable future.

Sitharaman also addressed concerns related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on sustainable products, acknowledging the importance of promoting eco-friendly alternatives while balancing economic growth. She mentioned that discussions are ongoing to revise the GST structure to encourage sustainability.

The session took a poignant turn when a senior citizen raised concerns about the lack of updates to pension schemes and limited support for business owners from banks. Although Sitharaman could not provide an immediate solution, she acknowledged the issue, demonstrating her commitment to addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.

In an inspiring moment, Sitharaman offered advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles, encouraging them to pursue excellence and remain resilient in the face of challenges. Her words resonated with many in the audience, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and breaking barriers.

The finance minister concluded the session by expressing her gratitude for the constructive dialogue and reiterated the government’s commitment to a balanced, inclusive approach to economic growth.