We kept lessons of the 2008-13 period in mind when designing the Covid stimulus: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Calling her stint as FM during the pandemic “the most challenging assignment yet”, Sitharaman said she was not upset with the criticism that the recent stimulus package was too little and that it would cost the exchequer just 1 per cent of the GDP rather than the promised 10 per cent.

She believes the recent announcements on reforms, even as many of them have been in the works for long, would yield results during the exceptionally different time now.

“We have learnt lessons from 2008 to 2013. (We have) made sure that we would not be repeating some mistakes. We have to be careful in the interests of the country.’’

Responding to the criticism that the stimulus package had disappointed industry, the FM said, “I am not dealing with my personal money, I am dealing with public money. I have huge responsibility to be careful. There will be a time when I will have to stand in Parliament and say this is what we have done.’’

Responding to a question on the confusing signals emanating from the government on global retail chains even while the prime minister is talking about joining global value chains, Sitharaman said, “I admit the signal should have much more clarity. The issue would be addressed.”