Some 'Interim' Thoughts
Sujith Vasudevan, Managing Editor, 0
As far as the highlights of the interim budget are concerned, the Finance Minister unveiled a new scheme for rooftop solar panels under Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana. The scheme will provide 300 units of free electricity to 1 crore houses and help them save up to Rs 18000 a year in electricity bills. The government also announced a scheme to help the middle class, who live in rented houses, slums, chawls, or unauthorized colonies, buy or build their own houses, as per PM Modi's quote. Presenting her sixth interim budget (2024-25) Budget in a row, Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a new scheme to strengthen deep tech involvement in the defense sector.
The Finance Minister also declared that all outstanding disputed direct tax demands up to Rs 25,000 will be withdrawn, benefiting one crore taxpayers. However, to the taxpayer's disappointment, the FM did not change the tax rates in the interim Budget 2024, including import duty. However, some startups and some IFSC units that would lose their benefits and tax exemptions in March will get them until March 2025.
The Finance Minister also declared that all outstanding disputed direct tax demands up to Rs 25,000 will be withdrawn, benefiting one crore taxpayers. However, to the taxpayer's disappointment, the FM did not change the tax rates in the interim Budget 2024, including import duty. However, some startups and some IFSC units that would lose their benefits and tax exemptions in March will get them until March 2025.