New Delhi: The government did not introduce any new tax during the Covid-19 pandemic and taxes have not been raised even after the pandemic, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
“It was his (Prime Minister’s) advice that no new tax should be introduced in the name of Covid and we didn’t charge people right from vaccines to distribution of food. Not only that, even after Covid-19 pandemic, taxes were not raised,” Sitharaman said while speaking at the valedictory session of the National Conclave on nine years of the National Democratic Alliance government.
Referring to reforms taken by the government in areas such as women empowerment, start-ups, and measures during Covid-19 pandemic, Sitharaman said removal of 1,500 archaic laws was done to ensure that such laws do not become an instrument to harass citizens and a tool for corruption.
Citing the example of Goods and Services Tax (GST), she said, “This government not only brought robust legislation with all states on board, but also created a strong system of GST to provide ease of living to the common and business people,” Sitharaman said.
Referring to the start-up ecosystem, she said closing business was a stigma earlier but with the introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), young people can start a business and, in case of failure, also close it honourably.
The Finance Minister highlighted the intention of the government through seva, sushashan and garib kalyan, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought in a change in the mindset and earned the trust and faith of the people of this country through ‘Seva Bhaav’.
“These changes happen when the leadership works with all the stakeholders to change their mindsets. India is a very complex country & decision-making goes through many layers and levels,” she said.
Agencies

KR Desk