Bank Mergers: No Prior Decision, Government Awaits Committee Report

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated no prior decision exists on public sector bank mergers, awaiting a committee report.
• She noted positive signs for private sector capital expenditure, expecting it to boost economic growth.
• Sitharaman affirmed the government's commitment to implementing Cabinet-approved disinvestment decisions, ensuring policy continuity.
• The government's AI policy aims to boost productivity across sectors, with MSMEs as primary beneficiaries.
• AI is increasingly vital in the 'Orange Economy' for identifying money transaction channels and is being promoted in agriculture and health through Centers of Excellence.

Why It Matters: Government awaits committee recommendations on bank mergers; committed to disinvestment and leveraging AI for growth.