MUMBAI: Even before the demonetisation strike of November 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been working hard to drive home the message that his government is for the poor and isn't cosy with the rich. Jaitley did stress though that the adverse effects of demonetisation would not spill over into 2017-18. "My overall approach...has been to spend more on rural areas, infrastructure and poverty alleviation and yet maintain the best standards of fiscal prudence," Jaitley said in his 110-minute speech. The Mahatma and his 150th birth anniversary were repeatedly mentioned. Jaitley stressed that the Rs 48,000 crore being allocated to MNREGA was a record.

Source: Times of India February 02, 2017 00:11 UTC