Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the retail inflation was contained at 6.2 per cent even after the Indian economy suffered the most significant contraction of Rs 9.57 Lakh Crores. Replying to a discussion on the Union Budget in Rajya Sabha, the ministerSitharaman said the Budget for 2022-23 stands for continuity, brings stability to the economy and foreseen taxation.

She highlighted that retail inflation was 9.1 per cent during the financial crisis of 2008-09, while it is at 6.2 per cent in the Covid-19 pandemic that has a more significant impact on the economy. She also said that the Indian economy suffered the most powerful contraction because of the pandemic. She mentioned that the Indian economy suffered Rs 9.57 Lakh Crores loss due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) was overspread with ghost accounts, and people not born were receiving money. The MNREGA is a demand-driven agenda to provide jobs to rural unemployed in the lean season, and whenever demand comes, She said. Sitharaman declared Rs 73,000 Crores will be provided in the rural employment guarantee scheme and will give more if demand comes.