Budget 2019: Sitharaman quotes 'Chanakya Sutra', says India will become $3-trillion economy this year

Union Budget 2019: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman became second woman in the history of Independent India to present the Union Budget in Parliemnt today. Before her, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was the first and only woman till now to have presented the Union Budget. In 1970, she presented the Union Budget of India for 1970-71, after she took over the finance portfolio following the resignation of Morarji Desai as finance minister. Dressed in beautiful deep pink saree with zari work, Sitharaman quoted ‘Chanakya Sutra’ and said that India can become $5-trillion economy in few years. In fact, she said that Indian economy will become $3-trillion economy this year itself. Quoting Chanakya Neeti Sutra, Sitharaman said that, “Kaarya purusha kare na lakshyam sampa dayate.” This means - with determined human efforts the task will surely be completed.

“When we aspire to reach 5 trillion dollars, many wonder whether it is possible; the target is eminently achievable, given our citizens' desire and the leadership of the government,” Sitharaman said. Talking about new plan for investment, Sitharaman said that, “India Inc, our job creators, are the nation's wealth creators; together, we can prosper. I wish to propose number of reforms to kickstart virtuous cycle of growth.” “Several reforms would be undertaken to promote rental housing, current rental laws are archaic as they do not address lessor-lessee relationships fairly,” Sitharaman said. Detailing the plan of $5-trillion economy, Sitharaman spoke about, “Heavy investment in infrastructure, Digital Economy and Job creation." “Hearts of citizen filled with hope,trust and aspirations," she added.