In the absence of Jaitley, Piyush Goyal to present the interim budget

Piyush Goyal, already in-charge of heavyweight ministry — the Railways, has earlier too took over the charge of Ministry of Finance. He took the responsibility for about three months earlier last year as well, when Arun Jaitley went on a leave for a renal transplant.

Saima Siddiqui
Published on: 24 Jan 2019 7:04 AM GMT
In the absence of Jaitley, Piyush Goyal to present the interim budget
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BJP changed negative perception about UP: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi: The Central government, on Wednesday has appointed Piyush Goyal as the interim Finance Minister for second time in the absence of Arun Jaitley. Piyush is likely to present the upcoming Budget of 2019.

Piyush Goyal was appointed as the Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs by the President of India as the proxy of Arun Jaitley, who is in the US reportedly for treatment of a prolonged illness.

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Piyush Goyal, already in-charge of heavyweight ministry — the Railways, has earlier too took over the charge of Ministry of Finance. He took the responsibility for about three months earlier last year as well, when Arun Jaitley went on a leave for a renal transplant.

In his second stint as Finance Minister Piyush will present the national budget in the Parliament.

Earlier last week, Arun Jaitley had dropped hints that the Budget 2019 could include big announcements that can’t wait, even as it would not be fiscally expansionary. Larger national interest would decide the budget, Arun Jaitley had said on Thursday via videoconferencing from the US, addressing a gathering of industrialists back in India.

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This is Modi government’s fifth and last budget, as the country heads for a Lok Sabha election. The government is leaving no stone unturned to achieve maximum votes and win the LS polls. The interim budget will play a crucial role in deciding its fate. The budget is expected to have some key announcements like loan waiving policies, relief packages for farmers, small traders and middle class population.

As for Arun Jaitley, he is in the US for medical treatment. The BJP leader underwent a test for soft tissue cancer and has been advised to take complete rest for two weeks. Jaitley is expected to resume office soon after his return to India.

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Saima Siddiqui

Saima Siddiqui

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