Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during the interview to NDTV
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley spoke to NDTV today in an exclusive interview where he dwelt upon issues of GST, row over hate speech and the relations between the Reserve Bank and the government.
Here are the highlights: - I took major steps for reform in 7 months. Surprised the media is calling it 'baby steps'.
- The steps are helping us to improve the credibility of the Indian economy - steps like replacing the Planning Commission with an alternative body.
- I am reasonably confident that we are close to a solution on GST.
- If you take all the taxes, in the initial years, you have to allay the fears of the states that they are going to lose revenue.
- Oil prices overall are a gift, has an impact on broader economy.
- I dont think there is anything incorrect with Rajan's statement of 'Make for India'.
- We not only have to make in India, but also we have to make it cheap.
- The balance between inflation and growth has to be maintained.
- Reserve Bank has a healthy relationship with the government.
- Reserve Bank is fully conscious of its responsibilities.
- I am concerned about the statements outside the House. The Prime Minister is concerned. He has voiced it in party meetings and the Parliament.
- We don't want to be distracted from our agenda of governance.
- There are people who want to obstruct.
- My appeal is -- don't provide an opportunity to the obstructionists.
- I have said it softly. PM has said it very bluntly.