<h1>Finance Minister Stresses Fiscal Discipline, Foreign Investment, and State Cooperation in Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting.</h1> The Union Finance Minister emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline and not exceeding fiscal deficit limits. He addressed the economic challenges, including high fiscal and current account deficits, and stressed the necessity of foreign investment for economic stability. The Minister urged states to expedite investment proposal clearances and highlighted the benefits of the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme. Discussions during the Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting included the rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and the formation of the Fourteenth Finance Commission. State representatives raised issues related to GST, CST compensation, and proposed tax changes to support specific sectors.