Tag: Indian Parliament

Politics

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Holds the Longest Tenure

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H. Team Allycaral

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has set a historic benchmark by becoming the longest-serving Finance Minister of India. A seasoned economist and senior BJP leader, Sitharaman has held the position of Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister since 31 May 2019.

She has now presented eight Union Budgets — a record unmatched in recent Indian history, second only to former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. In February 2024, she equaled Desai’s record of six budgets, and by 2025, she surpassed it by delivering her eighth budget. Her legacy also includes being the first person to present a Union Budget in the newly inaugurated Indian Parliament building, adding another historic milestone to her tenure.

Nirmala Sitharaman’s political journey is as remarkable as her policy work. She has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2016, representing Karnataka, and had earlier served as a member from Andhra Pradesh between 2014 and 2016. On 3 September 2017, she was appointed India’s Defence Minister — making her only the second woman to hold the position after Indira Gandhi, and the first full-time female Defence Minister of the country.

Born on 18 August 1959, Sitharaman has consistently balanced economic prudence with political responsibility. Her long and continuous service in key ministerial roles demonstrates her influence and leadership within the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Her unprecedented run as Finance Minister marks a turning point in India’s political and administrative history, particularly with regard to women’s leadership in top executive roles.

National

CM Sawant Meets Newly Appointed Konkani Interpreters for the Lok Sabha

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark development for the Konkani language, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has appointed three Konkani Consultant Interpreters, enabling complete live interpretation of parliamentary proceedings in Konkani for the first time in history. This significant step was championed by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, whose steadfast commitment to the promotion and preservation of Konkani has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.

Under Dr. Sawant’s visionary leadership, arrangements were made to ensure that the Konkani-speaking community, both within Goa and across the globe, could access the workings of the nation’s highest legislative body in their mother tongue. The interpreters—Evita D’Souza, Gauri Mavlinkar, and Samiksha Velip—have undergone rigorous training under the guidance of renowned expert Sharat Krishna Raikar, ensuring that they are fully prepared to deliver accurate and nuanced interpretations.

From Monday, 18 August 2025, the entire Lok Sabha proceedings will be broadcast live with complete Konkani interpretation. This historic broadcast marks a proud milestone not only for Goa but also for India’s rich tapestry of linguistic diversity, highlighting the increasing recognition of regional languages in national discourse.

The initiative reflects Dr. Pramod Sawant’s broader agenda to uplift Konkani culture, language, and identity on both national and international stages, setting a precedent for further inclusion of India’s many linguistic communities in parliamentary affairs.

This milestone is celebrated widely as a cultural victory, signifying a renewed respect and platform for Konkani within India’s democratic framework.