New Delhi, Feb. 12 -- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday defended in the Rajya Sabha the Centre's approach to fund allocation and dismissed claims of middle-class suppression, asserting that government finances are managed transparently and responsibly.
Responding to opposition members in Parliament who questioned the release of funds to various states, Sitharaman said, "Centre's funds are not a free pool of cash. It's hard earned contribution of every Indian citizen. We refuse to squander the money simply to meet a deadline. There is a very transparent process and we go by that."Addressing concerns about the middle class, the Finance Minister rejected allegations of financial strain or suppression, stating that the segment is...