Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. (File Photo)
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has responded positively to a social media user’s request, urging the government to provide relief to the middle class. A user, Tushar Sharma, appealed to X (formerly Twitter) while commenting on a post shared by the minister.
In his reply, FM Sitharaman expressed his appreciation for the input, asserting that the government listens and values public feedback.
The Finance Minister accepted the public plea for relief
A heartfelt plea for middle class relief
Tushar Sharma, acknowledging the complexities of governance, shared his request to the finance minister to consider measures that ease the financial burden on India’s middle class.
“We deeply appreciate your efforts and contribution to the country, and you are greatly appreciated. I humbly request you to consider giving some relief to the middle class. I understand the immense challenges involved, but it is only a heartfelt request. ,” X user Sharma posted.
Sitharaman values public input amid rising inflation
In his reply to Sharma, the finance minister assured that his concerns have been taken seriously, reiterating that public input plays an important role in shaping government policies.
“Thank you for your kind words and your understanding. I recognize and appreciate your concern. PM @narendramodi’s government is a responsive government. People’s voices are heard and attended to. Thanks again for your understanding. Your input is valuable. ,” Sitharaman said.
Inflation: A growing concern for the middle class
Retail inflation
India’s retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to a 14-month high of 6.21 percent in October 2024, according to the latest official data released on Tuesday. However, industrial production rose by 3.1 percent in September 2024.
India’s retail inflation was at a nine-month high of 5.49 percent in the previous month of September 2024. In October 2023, it was 4.87 percent.
The latest inflation print for October 2024 is ahead of the RBI’s upper tolerance limit of 6 percent. The Reserve Bank of India, which earlier this month kept the key short-term lending rate unchanged, has been tasked by the government to ensure that inflation stays at 4 percent with a margin of 2 percent on either side.
According to the latest data, India’s food inflation also rose to 10.87 percent in September 2024 from 9.24 percent in September 2024 and 6.61 percent in October 2023.