Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who has been at the receiving end amid an economic slowdown, on Thursday emphasised that she has been working on matters related to the economy. "As Finance Minister—you might’ve observed—I’ve been working on and regularly speaking about measures we’ve been taking on matters of the economy (sic)," she assured in a tweet.
As Finance Minister — you might’ve observed — I’ve been working on and regularly speaking about measures we’ve been taking on matters of the economy. 3/3
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 19, 2019
Sitharaman was tweeting in response to Biocon chief Kiran Majumdar-Shaw's tweets about the former's press conference on Thursday. Wondering on the e-cigarrette ban, Shaw asked if the finance ministry was keen on announcing any "fiscal measures to revive the economy".
E-cigarettes banned, says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman - Shd this not come from Min of Health? How about banning gutka too? How about MoF announcing some fiscal measures to revive economy? https://t.co/9c4hpRlUUD
— Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (@kiranshaw) September 18, 2019
It was the aforementioned tweet that provoked Sitharaman's reply on Thursday. In a three-tweet response to the Biocon chief, the finance minister clarified that it was in her capacity as the chair of the Group of Ministers that she addressed the press conference on key cabinet decisions. Also, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan was not present as he was representing India in an international meet. She emphasised that her appearance is in compliance with government protocol.
Kiran ji, a few things. This press conference was dedicated to Cabinet decisions. I began by saying that I was there in my capacity as Chair of the GoM which has dealt with the matter. @drharshvardhan is out of country for an international meet. 1/3 https://t.co/oL1UXPqEvJ
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 19, 2019
In the aftermath of the economic woes, the finance ministry has been at the heart of issues in the new Narendra Modi government. The finance minister addressed as many as three press conferences after presenting Union budget on July 5. In each of the press conference, Sitharaman announced a slew of measures to boost investor confidence and provide an immediate relief to ailing sectors such as automobiles and exports.
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However, she also invited social media wrath last week when she pinned blame on millenials who depend on Ola and Uber for declining automobile sales.
