New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday said the government per se is not against subsidies, but maintained that these are meant for the needy and not the wealthy, remarks that come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of rationalising and targeting of such benefits. He also indicated that his upcoming Budget will not resort to “sheer populism” for good ratings, but will focus on structural reforms. He hoped that the Congress will “see reason” and help pass the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Pic/PTI