“ It is now a challenge for all of us to take credible action to ensure that we are least affected by this global slowdown… In this context, the way we conduct the financial business now before Parliament will be a crucial determinant of our country’s ability to cope with the formidable challenges our country faces .”

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

“ If you go back in the last 50 years, in any country, it has proved counter-productive. If you are charging the super-rich more, they know how to do their tax planning and you only lead to an evasion .”

HDFC Bank Managing Director Aditya Puri, on tax for super-rich

“ Relentless efforts of farmers coupled with conducive policies of the government have resulted in record foodgrain production in last two consecutive years. Our foodgrains position is, therefore, comfortable. My Government is committed to enacting the National Food Security Bill .”

President Pranab Mukherjee

“ No, No... Our country imports 73-75 per cent of oil. We need to pay Rs 7 lakh crore for the imports. Where do we find that kind of money? ”

Oil Minister M. Veerappa Moily, on roll-back of hike in petrol and diesel prices

“ Aviation sector as such has been discussed and I am given to understand that both the airlines are in negotiations and they are keen to build a partnership .”

Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, on talks with Etihad executives for partnership with

Jet Airways

“ There is room for monetary easing over the next few months, but that room is limited because of the outlook for inflation and outlook for growth… Important variable for monetary policy calibration is the fiscal adjustment that the government will do. The government will come up with deficit status in the Budget. We will look at the headline fiscal deficit number but also look at the quality of the fiscal adjustment. ”

RBI Governor D. Subbarao

“ I have written to the RBI Governor, invoking Section 25 of the Constitution, saying that it was the duty of the State to facilitate every citizen to practice and follow his/her religion .”

Minister for Minority Affairs K. Rahman Khan, on Islamic banking

“ The entire consortium of banks has decided to recall the advance. This means sending a notice to the company, saying you please pay back. Based on assets we hold, we should be able to realise a good part of our dues (from Kingfisher Airline). It will be a little bit of complicated, long and protracted legal battle unless the company says let us get done with this and let us come to the table for a quick settlement .”

SBI Chairman Pratip Choudhuri, on recovery of loans from Kingfisher Airlines

“ It (GDP growth rate) would be somewhere between 5 and 5.5 per cent. If everything worked perfectly, I would not rule out seven per cent next year (2013-14) .”

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia

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