New Delhi, Jan. 25 -- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday called for "economic independence" of the country, while emphasising that the Modi government has empowered all sections of society "without any discrimination."

Speaking at an event at DU's Hindu College, Sitharaman highlighted the difference between the previous governments and the Modi government's last 10 years.

"Despite the excellent energy with which India wanted to grow post-independence. Not very recently, we began to get telephones in our houses without the recommendation of an MP. Not till recently we could get a gas cylinder without a recommendation. Not till recently we could have better roads, airports and. Not till recently we could have enough sea...