Inflation will not be a significant challenge: Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said, inflation will not be a significant challenge for the Government though there is a possibility of below average monsoon and food prices getting impacted. In an exclusive interview to All India Radio on completion of one year of the NDA Government, Mr. Jaitley said, inflation is low because oil prices are low. Moreover, he said, steps taken by the government has kept food prices low and pro-active government will always keep food prices low.

Replying to a question on achievements of the government, Mr. Jaitley said that last one year has been a year of satisfaction, activities and restoration of transparency in the governance. He said, there has been extremely good response to the three new Insurance Schemes launched by the Prime Minister this month. Mr. Jaitley said that the government will come out soon with a new scheme for senior citizens which will be funded through the unclaimed money lying with the Banks and other financial institutions.

The Finance Minister indicated that the government will leave no stone unturned to provide help to the farmers affected by the unseasonal rains in some parts of the country. On checking black money, the Finance Minister said a multi-pronged strategy has been launched so that its generation and use will become extremely difficult.

Criticising some political parties opposing the Land Acquisition Bill, Mr. Jaitley said these forces are against rural development.