India's Finance Minister Seeks Canadian Pension Funds for Asset Monetisation Drive Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman extended an invitation to Canadian pension funds to participate in India’s asset monetisation programme during a joint press briefing in Toronto on Thursday. She emphasized the country’s growing investment opportunities in infrastructure and other high-potential sectors, noting the strong engagement between Canadian pension funds and India. Since 2020, India has published a comprehensive list of projects under the National Monetisation Pipeline, which outlines assets available for monetisation. Sitharaman highlighted that pension and sovereign wealth funds are seeking areas where their investments can yield attractive returns. Foreign portfolio investors from Canada have already poured nearly Rs 2.40 lakh crore into India’s capital markets, underscoring the existing financial ties between the two nations. During her visit, Sitharaman also met with Canadian business leaders to explore collaboration in emerging sectors such as critical minerals, rare earths, energy storage, clean technology, and financial services. These discussions align with India’s broader goal of deepening economic ties with Canada. Sitharaman’s four-day visit to Canada and the United States included meetings with industry representatives, during which she urged Canadian companies to leverage India as a platform for innovation and exports. The roundtable in Toronto attracted CEOs and executives from diverse sectors, including clean technology, critical minerals, rare earths, sustainable infrastructure, agriculture, food processing, automobiles, textiles, green steel, aerospace, and space.#india #canada #nirmala_sitharaman #cIBC #gIFT_IFSC
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Allow Charges on Digital Payments The Lok Sabha on Thursday, August 6, 2026, passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, which amends the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 to authorize the government to permit banks and payment service providers to levy charges on transactions through the unified payments interface (UPI) and other notified electronic payment modes. The bill was passed without a formal debate due to persistent interruptions by the Opposition, which raised issues such as alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The amendment removes the existing legal provision that previously prohibited banks and payment service providers from charging Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on electronic payment modes. Real-time payments via RTGS and NEFT have long been subject to service charges, but UPI transactions remained exempt until now. The proposed changes are part of a broader taxation legislation introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 4, 2026. The bill was passed through a voice vote after the Lok Sabha resumed at 2 p.m. following an earlier adjournment. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved the bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, the Income Tax Act, 2025, and the Finance Act, 2026. The government’s objective is to impose small charges on digital payment services for consumers and small businesses while ensuring a sustainable revenue model for banks, payment service providers, and infrastructure firms. The amendment modifies Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, replacing the phrase “electronic modes of payment prescribed under section 269SU of the Income-tax Act, 1961” with “one or more electronic modes of payment as the central government may, by notification, specify.#finance_minister #lok_sabha #nirmala_sitharaman #ru_pay #bhim_upi
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Urges Income Tax Department to Simplify Services for Citizens Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday called on income tax officials to streamline government services, emphasizing that citizens should not face unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Speaking after inaugurating the Aaykar Sindhu, a 13-floor, 1.13 lakh square foot income tax office building in Mumbai's Nariman Point, Sitharaman highlighted the need for officials to understand the challenges faced by ordinary people when accessing government services. She urged them to avoid making citizens "run from pillar to post" to complete tasks within their authority. Sitharaman pointed out that the Income Tax department’s own experience in securing approval for the Aaykar Sindhu project should serve as a reminder of the difficulties common citizens encounter. She noted that despite the department’s authority, officials had to navigate multiple layers of bureaucracy to obtain permissions for the building. "Can this experience incentivise you to understand the position of a common citizen when he approaches you? Don’t make them run from pillar to post where your authority is required; do the work for them," she said. She clarified that her remarks did not advocate breaking rules or offering special favors, but rather emphasized the need to reduce the effort required for citizens to access their rightful services. The minister also criticized the "laidback" approach of government departments, which she claimed had allowed illegal encroachments on government land. She cited the example of the Aaykar Sindhu site, which had belonged to the Income Tax department since 1973. Despite this, illegal occupations had persisted on the property over the years.#bsnl #income_tax_department #nirmala_sitharaman #nariman_point #aaykar_sindhu
FM Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates New Income Tax Department Complex 'Aayakar Sindhu' Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman formally opened the newly constructed Income Tax Department office complex, named 'Aayakar Sindhu,' located at Nariman Point in Mumbai. The event took place on July 26, 2026, and marked a significant milestone for the Indian Revenue Service. Speaking at the inauguration, Sitharaman emphasized the symbolic meaning of the building’s name, stating that the nation’s financial strength is built through the collective contributions of taxpayers. She highlighted the importance of the Income Tax Department in maintaining fiscal discipline and ensuring equitable resource distribution. During her address, the finance minister acknowledged the challenges faced by department officials in securing necessary clearances for the complex’s construction. She praised their perseverance and credited her own efforts in facilitating the process. Sitharaman also drew a parallel between the bureaucratic hurdles faced by officials and the difficulties encountered by ordinary citizens. She urged the department’s officers to reflect on this disparity and take proactive steps to streamline procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations without imposing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers. The minister further called for a renewed focus on public service within the department. She instructed officials to approach their work with a dual perspective—balancing revenue collection with a commitment to national welfare. Integrity, she emphasized, must remain the cornerstone of all operations. To symbolize this ethos, Sitharaman planted a sapling at the complex’s premises, underscoring the importance of sustainable development and long-term planning.#nirmala_sitharaman #central_board_of_direct_taxes #aayakar_sindhu #nariman_point #ravi_agrawal
PMSBY, PMJJBY, and APY Complete 11 Years of Social Security Coverage The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) have completed 11 years of providing social security benefits to citizens across India. The Ministry of Finance highlighted these schemes as initiatives designed to offer affordable financial protection, particularly to underserved and vulnerable groups. The programs aim to expand insurance and pension coverage, shielding citizens against life’s uncertainties and promoting long-term financial resilience. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Jan Suraksha schemes, which include PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY, to deliver low-cost insurance and pension benefits. She reported that over 27 crore individuals have enrolled in PMJJBY, 58 crore in PMSBY, and 9 crore in APY. Under PMJJBY, more than 10.7 lakh families have received claims totaling over 21,500 crore rupees. Similarly, PMSBY has settled claims worth nearly 3,660 crore rupees for over 1.84 lakh families. Sitharaman acknowledged the efforts of stakeholders, including banks and insurance companies, in making these schemes successful. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary emphasized the schemes’ focus on reaching the poorest segments of society. He noted that digitization and simplification of enrollment and claims processes have been central to their design. The launch of the online Jan Suraksha Portal has enabled citizens to enroll without visiting physical branches or post offices. Chaudhary also highlighted how digitizing the claims process ensures faster settlements, providing timely support to families facing loss.#pankaj_chaudhary #nirmala_sitharaman #atal_pension_yojana #pradhan_mantri_suraksha_bima_yojana #pradhan_mantri_jeevan_jyoti_bima_yojana
Disinvestment process of IDBI Bank to continue: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Friday that the government will proceed with the disinvestment of IDBI Bank, reaffirming its commitment to the privatization process. The decision comes amid ongoing efforts to reduce the public sector's stake in the banking sector, with the government and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) set to divest significant portions of their holdings. Under the original plan, the government aimed to sell a 30.48 per cent stake in IDBI Bank, while LIC was to divest 30.24 per cent, collectively offering 60.72 per cent of the bank’s shares. Based on previous market valuations, the combined stake was estimated to be worth Rs 72,000 crore. The privatization process has been in motion since January 7, 2023, when the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management received multiple bids from interested parties. Sitharaman emphasized that the government remains focused on completing the disinvestment, stating that there are currently no proposals for consolidation among public sector banks. She noted that a high-level banking committee will review the matter to assess potential strategies for restructuring or merging institutions. The minister made these remarks during a press briefing held at the inauguration of the new premises of the State Bank of India's Local Head Office in Pune, Maharashtra. Beyond the disinvestment plan, Sitharaman highlighted the importance of domestic economic activity as the foundation for India’s growth. She underscored the role of agriculture in driving both internal consumption and exports, pointing out that the country’s vast economy and strong domestic demand are critical to sustaining its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.#pune #state_bank_of_india #idbi_bank #nirmala_sitharaman #life_insurance_corporation
Summary of the Conflict Between Tamil Nadu and the Central Government on Paddy Subsidies: The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, is facing pressure from the central government to stop subsidies for paddy cultivation, citing overproduction and financial strain on the exchequer. The central government, through Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has advised states to halt subsidies for paddy and other crops, arguing that such support is no longer justified due to surplus production and rising costs. This directive was part of a broader policy to promote crop diversification and reduce reliance on paddy, which the central government claims is causing economic imbalances. Key Points: Central Government's Stance: The central government alleges that states like Tamil Nadu are providing excessive subsidies for paddy, leading to overproduction and financial burden. It argues that subsidies should be redirected toward crops with higher economic value (e.g., oilseeds, pulses) to boost domestic production and reduce dependency on imports. A January 2024 letter to state governments outlined these concerns, emphasizing the need to align state subsidies with national priorities. Tamil Nadu Government's Response: Tamil Nadu's DMK-led government has strongly opposed the central directive, calling it politically motivated and harmful to farmers. They argue that paddy is a staple crop for millions of farmers and that subsidies are essential to sustain livelihoods. Critics, including Tamil Nadu's agriculture minister, claim the central government's move is a "political attack" to undermine the state's agricultural policies and shift blame for economic challenges. Political and Economic Implications: The dispute highlights tensions between state and central governments over agricultural policies.#central_government #tamil_nadu #m_k_stalin #nirmala_sitharaman #kaveri_delta
Reliance Industries shares plunged over 4% on Friday, erasing more than Rs 82,000 crore in market value following the government’s reinstatement of windfall taxes on diesel and ATF exports. The decision, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aims to bolster domestic fuel supply amid fluctuating global oil prices. The move reverses an earlier policy to scrap such taxes, as authorities seek to stabilize revenue from the energy sector. The government imposed additional duties of Rs 21.5 per litre on diesel exports and Rs 29.5 per litre on ATF exports. This comes alongside a reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel for domestic use, with the special additional excise duty on petrol cut to Rs 3 per litre and eliminated for diesel. Sitharaman emphasized that the higher export duties would ensure adequate fuel availability for Indian consumers. The decision follows a day of rising fuel prices, as India’s largest private fuel retailer, Nayara Energy, increased petrol prices by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 3 per litre. Owned largely by Russia’s Rosneft, Nayara operates over 7,000 fuel stations nationwide. Dealers expressed concerns over the price hike, warning of potential demand drops and possible protests. Some also noted recent fuel supply shortages, exacerbating the situation. Reliance Industries, India’s most valuable company with a market cap exceeding Rs 18 lakh crore, is a major exporter of ATF and diesel. Its two refineries in Jamnagar produce nearly 5 million tonnes of air turbine fuel annually, with a significant portion exported. The company accounts for one-fourth of India’s total ATF production. Reliance rejected media reports alleging it had purchased Iranian crude oil, calling the claims “baseless and misleading.#relance_industries #jamnagar #nayara_energy #rosneft #nirmala_sitharaman
