Highlighting the progress made in
She said "I don't think any village in India is unelectrified today. Households have received the connections. So, if I remember the situation in 2014, there were still many villages in many parts of India, some even very close to the state capital, provincial headquarters, without even a pole to receive the electric wires. Now, all that has been overcome. Houses have got their electricity."
The Finance Minister also discussed the
She explained, "Earlier, one tap water connection was provided to a village, from where everyone would take water to their home. But under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission,' each and every house gets a tap water connection."
Sitharaman emphasized the positive impact of this initiative on health, sanitation, and convenience for millions of Indian families.
Turning to the economic empowerment of
She explained that municipalities receive a portion of taxes collected by the central government, along with additional funds based on the Finance Commission's recommendations.
"Over and above, today, we are enhancing their capacities to raise resources from the market. Municipalities are a very powerful instrument of economic development and they, on their own, are raising a lot of resources," she added.
Sitharaman also expressed confidence in India's economic growth and its appeal to
With ongoing reforms and increased global engagement, Sitharaman noted, India is solidifying its position as a significant player on the world stage, expanding its economic reach and inviting foreign investment.