No contradiction in being pro-business, pro-poor: Finance minister

New Delhi, Aug 18 :

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley changed his Facebook cover photo and wrote that there is no contradiction between being ‘pro-business and pro-poor’.

“Unless the government gets revenue, it cannot build infrastructure and service the welfare schemes for the poor. By being pro-business and pro-poor, I am not contradicting but both have to exist at the same time,” said his new Facebook cover photo.

Responding to a budget discussion in parliament in July, the finance minister had stated that there is no contradiction in being “pro-business and pro-poor”.

He mentioned earlier that being pro-business is important for generating more revenues and increasing spending, which in turn will help the poor and marginalised sections of the society through various social sector programmes.

The finance minister earlier said the government wanted to be both pro-business and pro-poor by maintaining low rates, rationalising subsidy system, bringing in civility in tax regime and boosting infrastructure and housing.

(IANS)