New Delhi, Feb. 12 -- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday defended the Union Budget 2026-27 in Rajya Sabha, emphasising that government funds are "hard-earned contributions of every Indian citizen", not a "free pool of cash."

In response to opposition members questioning the release of funds to various states, Sitharaman refused to "squander" these public funds simply to meet artificial deadlines or political demands.

Sitharaman said, "Centre's funds are not a free pool of cash. It's hard earned contribution of every Indian citizen. We refuse to squander the money simply to meet a deadline. There is a very transparent process, and we go by that."

Further responding to the middle class, the Finance Minister said there ...