In place of old political...': Finance Minister Sitharaman laughed while presenting the budget - see

 

The government aims to provide incentives to replace old, polluting vehicles used by the central and state governments.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday presented the last budget of the Narendra Modi-led government ahead of the general elections. But as the finance minister walked a tightrope between fiscal prudence and public expectations, it was a slip of tongue that briefly appeared to unite all MPs.

"Replacing old political... sorry old polluting vehicles will be given priority..." declared Sitharaman, inducing peals of laughter.

And as opposition leaders enthusiastically thumped tables and cheered, Sitharaman too began to find humor in the situation.

Also Read: Budget 2023 Live Updates From Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Speech

"I know... of course..." he laughed as several MPs voiced their support for the statement.

"Replacing older polluting vehicles is an important part of greening our economy," he corrected with a smile, pausing briefly after sitting at his desk to support some leaders.

According to Wednesday's budget announcements, the government is allocating substantial funds to phase out polluting old vehicles. The policy will come into effect from April 1 and is aimed at phasing out unusable and polluting vehicles and help promote the circular economy.

“I have allocated adequate funds for scrapping old central government vehicles. The Finance Minister announced that states will also be supported in replacing old vehicles and ambulances.

The budget session of Parliament began on Tuesday with President Draupadi Murmu's address to the joint session, where she touched upon a variety of subjects during her maiden address after being elected to the country's highest office last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said, "India's budget will try to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of common citizens amid the volatile global economic situation."