(Video) Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) The Big Picture: Interim Budget: Three Big Takeaways

Topic: Interim Budget: Three Big Takeaways

Guest:

Dr. P Pullarao, (Economist)
Yatish Rajawat, (Editor-in-Chief, Daily News and Analysis)
Manu Seth, (Director CMAI & Former CEO, HTC)

Topic Description:

The finance minister addressed all the key constituencies in his interim bufdget speech on Friday. From farmers to the middle class, there was something in it for everyone. The Prime Minister called it an all encompasing budget for 'new India'. By not touching the corporate tax rate and not hiking taxes for the uber-rich, the finance minister also ensured this key group of donors was not alienated. The first big takeway was the benefit to the farmers.

In a move to bring the unorganized workers in the mainstream, the government has started a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 for workers in the the sector. The was the second big takeaway. The finance minister increased the minimum income tax limit from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per annum. Doubling the limit would result in Rs 12,500 saving per annum for the salaried class. But this limit is applicable only for those who have a salary of Rs 5 lakh or below as the exemption is in the form of a rebate. This is the third takeaway.