The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman addressing the gathering during the launch event of NPS Vatsalya Scheme at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi on September 18, 2024.
Nirmala Sitharaman Acknowledges Middle-Class Relief Plea
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has responded to a social media plea urging the government to provide relief to the middle class. The request was made by X user Tushar Sharma, who expressed his concerns about the economic challenges faced by the middle-income group.
Citizen’s Appeal for Middle-Class Relief
Sharma, in his heartfelt message, acknowledged the government’s efforts but sought financial relief for the middle class, stating, “We deeply appreciate your efforts and contributions to the country, and you have our utmost admiration. I humbly request you to consider providing some relief for the middle class. I understand the immense challenges involved, but it’s just a heartfelt request.”
The appeal came in response to Sitharaman’s post sharing verses composed by a member of the Royal Family of Travancore, published in The Sunday Guardian.
Sitharaman’s Reassurance
Responding to the plea, Sitharaman appreciated the sentiment and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing public concerns.
“Thank you for your kind words and your understanding. I recognise and appreciate your concern. PM @narendramodi’s government is a responsive government. Listens and attends to people’s voices. Thanks once again for your understanding. Your input is valuable,” the Finance Minister replied.
Rising Inflation Sparks Concern
The exchange comes at a time when inflation is a growing concern for the middle class. Retail inflation stood at 6.21% last month, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India’s upper tolerance level. Food inflation, in particular, spiked to 10.87% in October, up from 9.24% in September, according to the National Statistics Office.
The acknowledgment of such concerns highlights the government’s ongoing dialogue with citizens amid economic challenges.
