New Delhi, Mar 24: The Sixth Pay Commission headed by Justice B. N. Srikrishna today submitted its report to Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram presumably recommending a 40 per cent hike in salary for the central government employees.

"I have recommended something for the good of the country. The Finance Minister will give the latest highlights," said Justice Srikrishna.

New Delhi, Mar 17: Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday said that the Central Government may provide subsidy to ensure that essential items are available to the poor and the vulnerable sections of society at affordable rates.

Referring to the soaring inflation rate, Chidambaram told Rajya Sabha members that the Central Government would take more steps to curb it.

He went no to say that some measures have already been taken to contain inflation and some more could be taken in the coming days.

New Delhi, Mar 10 :

New Delhi, Mar 06: Considering public demand, Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday asked banks and RBI to slash interest rates on housing loans of Rs
20 lakhs.

Interacting with the industry chamber Assocham, Chdambaram said, "I made a number of efforts to impress upon bankers in this regards ... it is a constant effort that I will have to make... bankers will have to take a call, RBI will have to take a call."

New Delhi, Mar. 5 : A couple of days ago, Leader of Opposition L. K. Advani had remarked that the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre appears to be moving towards announcing a mid-term general election.

Advani’s concern over a general election being held earlier than scheduled is not misplaced, given the political developments that are taking place within Congress party circles following the presentation of Budget 2008-09 proposals by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram.

Inspired by the Rs. 600 billion-loan waiver for farmers, the Congress leadership has decided to pull out all stops to take maximum advantage out of the announcement.

New Delhi, Mar 4: Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said that there is a scope for reducing interest rates and deficits.

He was speaking at an interactive session on the Union Budget at the National Council meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here today.

Chidambaram however, cautioned that interest rates were the most effective tool to contain inflation and there is a need to have growth with reasonable price stability.

The Finance Minister said that the final authority on reducing interest rates was the Reserve Bank of India.