India on 'Reform Express' with Conviction, Says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated India is on a 'reform express' with conviction and clarity.
• Reforms are driven by conviction, confidence, and commitment, not compulsion, under PM Modi's leadership.
• The government is improving trust-based tax administration and reducing hardship for honest taxpayers.
• Steps have been taken to empower MSMEs, farmers, and cooperatives for employment and overall development.
• The Finance Bill 2026 aims to support these sectors by improving liquidity, reducing compliance burden, and promoting trade facilitation through customs reforms.

Key Questions Answered

How is the Finance Bill 2026 empowering MSMEs, farmers, and cooperatives?

The Finance Bill 2026 empowers MSMEs through a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and a ₹2,000 crore top-up for the Self-Reliant India Fund.

What specific customs reforms are proposed to promote trade facilitation?

Proposed customs reforms include duty slab rationalisation, digitisation, faster clearances, and a unified compliance framework.

How is India's tax administration becoming more trust-based for taxpayers?

India's tax administration is becoming more trust-based through reforms aimed at predictability, automation, and reduced criminalization.