Kiren Rijiju demands Rahul Gandhi's apology for NEET comments

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticised Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the NEET issue in Parliament. Rijiju stated that the Opposition was creating an unnecessary ruckus and demanded that Gandhi apologise for his statement. 

According to Rijiju, the Supreme Court has confirmed that there is no systemic issue affecting the examination system. 

He added that any errors or frauds should be addressed individually, and the entire system should not be labelled as fraudulent. Rijiju emphasised the importance of respecting the Supreme Court's judgment.

Further speaking on the Budget, the Union Minister said, "...The Budget is really good and everyone has welcomed it. The Opposition is trying to mislead by saying that it is a budget for only 2 states. The allocation of capital expenditure of Rs 11 lakh 11 thousand 111 crores for building infrastructure is not for 1-2 states, it is for the entire country. From infrastructure to medical, giving relaxation to the middle-class people, facilities given to the farmers or giving a separate package to the tribal people, all that has been done for the country. It is wrong to say that the entire Union Budget is for 1 or 2 states...If Bihar is getting some benefit in the budget, then what is the problem with it?...It is the budget of the entire country, which is presented collectively to everyone..."

Also Read: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju calls budget 2024 'Dream Budget' with Rs 11 lakh crore capital expenditure

In this budget, the Union Ministry has also proposed for financial inclusion in the northeastern states with the Indian government unveiling plans to set up 100 new branches of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) across the region. The announcement was made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget presentation for 2024-25.

The expansion is part of a broader initiative to enhance banking access in underserved areas. IPPB, which already boasts crores of accounts and operates through lakhs of branches nationwide, aims to strengthen its presence in the Northeast with these additional facilities.

Sitharaman highlighted the government's commitment to improving financial infrastructure as a crucial step toward ensuring equitable development across all regions. The new branches will provide a range of banking services, further integrating the remote and economically diverse areas of the Northeast into the formal financial system.