Facing allegations from State governments ruled by the Opposition parties on the reported delay in clearing of Centre’s dues, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday asserted that all dues up till February this year had been cleared. She added that the devolution of funds had not been held up.
Stating that the current economic realities should be kept in view while talking about the reduction in interest rates for EPF from 8.40% to 8.10%, the Minister said, “Still, it is higher than any government saving schemes or rates given by banks on fixed deposit.”
Ms Sitharaman was replying to the debate on two Appropriation Bills concerning additional expenditure made by the Government in financial years 2021-22 and 2018-19. The Bills, already passed by the Lok Sabha, were returned by the House after her reply.
