PM Working To Uplift India's Image, Opposition Tarnishing It: Minister

"While India is being praised across the world, we also remember the skepticism spread by the opposition on vaccination," Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Listing out the accomplishments of the government during her speech at the BJP national executive meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a shot at the opposition accusing them of tarnishing India's image. "While India is being praised across the world for the vaccination program, we also remember the skepticism spread by the opposition over the vaccination from the very beginning," she said. 

The minister said that India's "great methodical way" in administering over 100 crore vaccine doses is being praised across the world. She pointed out that Rs 36,000 crore was allocated in the budget for vaccination and improving overall healthcare infrastructure. 

The entry of women in defense and Army, and the establishment of Sainik schools came as a part of the resolution, the minister said. Women-led development is our motto, she said. 

Several party leaders in the meeting have stressed on vaccination numbers and the distribution of free ration to the poor under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. "Taking care of human lives, we gave food to 80 crore people for 8 months," Ms Sitharaman said. She also pointed out that "one nation, one ration card" was issued. This scheme allows migrant workers to get ration at the place of their work in other states as well where their ration cards are not registered.