Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has stressed that tax-related proposals to the government must keep the nation first, over and above seeking rate reduction, exemption or concessions.

She was speaking at the inaugural of two days Conference on New Age Taxation organised by the International Tax Research and Analysis Foundation in Bengaluru today.

The minister called upon the academics, researchers and think tanks to make Independent tax policy research a regular part of public discourse that can be examined, challenged and improved.

Speaking about the pre-budget consultation by her ministry, Ms Sitharaman said that these exercises must raise larger questions on what kind of a tax system India should have over the next two decades as we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

She insisted for better tax research that looks at all sides, measures its effects, recognises the trade-offs, and offers workable alternatives for every revenue loss to the exchequer and helps the Government to shape the choices from which good tax policy can emerge.