Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman has said that that discussion on Privatisation of Air India, MTNL and BSNL is going on but no decision has been taken. She was talking with media persons in Pune today. She said that sufficient provisions have been made in this year’s budget for the betterment of small and macro industry and employment generation.

Ms. Sitharaman defended Shastra Pujan while receiving Rafael Aircraft saying that it’s our tradition and there is nothing wrong in following the tradition. She also refuted allegations of opposition regarding abrogation of article 370 saying the decision was widely welcomed across India.

Finance Minister said that NDA Government is a progressive Government and we are putting Development on fast track with the state- center cooperation. She said government has provided timely help to the flood victims in Sangli and Kolhapur. Ms Sitharaman also praised Devendra Fadnavis Government for the commendable work in Irrigation sector.