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Presenting a report card on the government's achievements, Jaitley said  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left an impact worldwide, reports said.

 

 "All government departments have worked in a new and vibrant environment in one year. The PM has left an impact worldwide in this one year. Initiatives undertaken in sectors such as power, coal and mining are noteworthy; they show a transparent model for reforms," media reports quoted him as saying.

He claimed that  there was a "general environment of gloom" when the Modi government took over,but with the passage of time it has converted into enthusiasm.

 

 "There was a general environment of gloom, it has converted into enthusiasm. The newfound zeal makes people restless with even a growth rate of 8 per cent. There is a restlessness in India to grow even faster. That is the potential of India," he said.

Jaitley said the government has been prompt in going for decisive action which helped the economy.  "Decisiveness even in the face of obstructionism has been an important hallmark of the NDA government. The nation is not ready to accept slow decision making. There is absolute clarity with regard to which the direction in which the Government wants to go. Decisions have been taken to bring in transparent and principle-based - not person-based - decisions," he said.

In this context he cited the government's decision to auction coal blocks, saying it it is an example of transparent decision-making.. "The most important reform since independent India, in the area of indirect taxation, is the Goods and Services Tax which is being brought by the government. Measures have been taken to make taxation an instrument of promoting growth," he said. 

The Finance Minister said the resources for major infrastructure projects are available in abundance in the country and "it is the time for  us to increase the our capacity to spend them."

 

He said the GST Bill, the Land Bill and resumption of work on 16 stalled projects have been planned for the coming year.