Chief Economic Adviser K Subramanian and Rajeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Financial Services counter the criticism by opposition on the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "Important thing is Finance Minister chose to set out steps of achieving the vision of new India of a 5 trillion $ economy," Mr Subramanian said. While there were no additional breaks announced in income taxes for the middle class, the government announced a slew of incentives for those looking to buy affordable homes and electric vehicles. Ms Sitharaman also announced new levies of Rs. 2 per litre on petrol and diesel - a move that instantly drew opposition criticism.
