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Key Highlights Union Finance Minister also said, "Whatever be the size- small, medium, micro, nano or large entrepreneurs of this country, we want them to carry on with their business without a worry." Sitharaman refused to comment on how the dividends from RBI will be used by the government. She said, "Can't comment on how the surplus from RBI will be used."

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a press conference on Tuesday. The press briefing comes after the Reserve Bank of India board on Monday approved to the transfer of staggering Rs 1.76 lakh crore, nearly double the budgeted amount of Rs 90,000 crore, to the government.

It may be noted that this is for the first time that RBI has provided such a huge amount to the government. The Rs 1.76 lakh crore includes Rs 1.23 lakh crore of surplus or dividend for FY18 and remaining Rs 52,637 crore was excess provisions, which is a one-time transfer and is a first for the RBI. The decision on the quantum of the fund to be transferred to the government has been taken in due consultations in the high-level panel chaired by former RBI Governor Bimal Jalan.

Sitharaman refused to comment on how the dividends from RBI will be used by the government. She said, "Can't comment on how the surplus from RBI will be used." Talking about Rahul Gandhi's 'chor' jibe, the FM said that it is outlandish to question the credibility of RBI. In response to Rahul Gandhi's tweet on RBI, she said, "Whenever Rahul Gandhi raises things like 'chor,chori,' one thing comes to my mind, he tried his best 'chor, chor,chori,' but public gave him befitting reply. What's the point of using the same words again?"

Talking about RBI decision to transfer Rs 1.76 cr to the government, She said, "This committee (Bimal Jalan Committee) is appointed by RBI, had experts, they gave a formula based on which the amount was arrived at, now any suggestions about credibility of RBI, therefore, for me seems a bit outlandish."

Union Finance Minister also said, "Whatever be the size- small, medium, micro, nano or large entrepreneurs of this country, we want them to carry on with their business without a worry."

Sitharaman reiterated that the government has expressed its keenness to help farmers. She further informed that the government interacted with trade bodies and heard their issues and grievances and that last week's announcements were made post consulting with stakeholders of sectors.

She said, "We want entrepreneurs to work without any worry." The FM further said that tax targets are not impossible to achieve. However, tax authorities must not overstretch to meet the targets. She added, "Tax collection targets are very much achievable."

"I want to say that the Bimal Jalan committee had eminent experts in it. It was constituted by the RBI and not by the government. They've had several sittings and come out with a report, like earlier committees that looked into the excess capital," she further said.