In his third term as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has once again placed his trust in Nirmala Sitharaman by including her in his Cabinet. Sitharaman, a two-time Union Minister, has a proven track record, having presented six budgets since the full budget of 2019.
As Sitharaman takes on her renewed role, her immediate focus will be on sustaining economic growth and encouraging private sector investment.
Sources have indicated to CNBC-TV18 that her 100-day agenda will likely address several critical areas like rural distress, employment generation, and the rationalisation of GST and income tax rates. Simplifying these tax regimes and their associated laws will be a priority, aiming to create a more efficient and business-friendly environment. Additionally, measures to curb inflation are expected to be a significant part of Sitharaman’s agenda.
This focus aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the middle and upper-middle classes, as emphasised in his address to the nation following his election victory. These measures could provide much-needed relief to these segments of the population, enhancing their economic well-being.