Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Photo: PTI)

NEW DELHI: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that the inflation rate is under control and it has not increased since 2014.

"Inflation rate hasn't increased since 2014, if you want to raise the issue then you must see the inflation index between 2008-2016. No one can raise questions at our government when it comes to inflation. It is absolutely under control," Sitharaman said after interacting with industrialists, traders, entrepreneurs and tax practitioners at an event in Kolkata.

Annual retail inflation in July was 3.15%, down from an eight-month high of 3.18% in June. The country is currently reeling under a slowdown which is being debated as both cyclical and structural.

The finance minister also said that the government will respond to the challenges faced by all sectors and every possible help will be extended to them.

"We are looking at the challenges which the sectors are facing. We will respond to the challenges and extend every possible help," she said.

About revenue collection during the current financial year, she said targets have been given to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

"These targets have been given after due considerations and consultations," Sitharaman said adding that if the collections are low, the central government will look into it.

(With agency inputs)

