10 things to know about Finance Minister Jayant Sinha’s press conference  

BHUBANESWAR: Minister of State (MoS) for Finance, Jayant Sinha on Friday interacted with the media persons after discussing with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other officials of the state government.

Here is what Sinha told the media persons about international, national and Odisha related issues and the stand of Narendra Modi government

• Principal opposition Congress is obstructing GST bill in Rajya Sabha affecting the Indian economy, and it is a big blow to the Indian democracy
• Congress is using every possible excuse to stall the GST Bill, which is affecting the economy of the country. The opposition party was raising unnecessary issues including Lalit Modi, VK Singh, DDCA and intolerance issues, which have no basis, only to obstruct in passing the Bill
• Country’s economy, which was in a difficult situation before the 2014 general elections, is at very good health under the leadership of Narendra Modi government
• Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has already indicated that they are in support of GST Bill
• We would withstand the global turmoil due to our robust macro economy
• Commodity sector including steel and metal, oil have been impacted due to global slow down and demand for these commodities is gradually coming down
• We believe in cooperative federalism and ready to assist Odisha government in carrying out development programmes in the state
• Odisha would get additional 10 percent fund in following recommendation of 14^th Finance Commission that can be used for planning state specific programmes
• Posco issue: That is for the Posco to take decision whether to set up the project or not
• We are very supportive of all companies including Posco. But, all have to follow all the rules and norms of the country