New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Finance Bill 2023 by voice vote without discussion, despite opposition from the Congress-led opposition. The bill contains 75 amendments, all of which were approved during a voice vote.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed plans to set up a committee under the Finance Secretary to address pension-related issues. The mandate of the committee includes developing an approach that meets the needs of the workforce while maintaining fiscal prudence to safeguard the common citizens. This strategy will be prepared for adoption by both the Central and State Governments.
Dissatisfied with the proceedings, the opposition raised slogans and displayed placards demanding that Rahul Gandhi be allowed to speak and pledge to “fight Modi and the RSS”. His protest continued in the Well of the House demanding an inquiry into the Adani case by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Sitharaman also expressed concern over foreign tour payments through credit cards under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS), resulting in tax collection evasion. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is being asked to examine the issue and bring credit card payments for foreign visits under the ambit of LRS and enable tax collection at source.
Following the passage of the Finance Bill, the lower house was adjourned till March 27. Opposition members showed their frustration by tearing their placards and throwing them at the Speaker’s chair. The Finance Bill 2023 sets out the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2023-24.
