With just 10 days left before Jaitley's Parliamentary budget speech, here are some key economic changes that the government is likely to announce:
Income tax exemption threshold to be doubled
The government is expected to double income tax exemption threshold from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, reported news agency IANS. This is probably one of the biggest expectation on cards from this year’s interim budget.
Jaitley is also expected to reinstate tax-free status for medical expenses and travel allowances in a bid to offer better tax reliefs to people.
While taxpayers have gradually increased in the country after the implementation of stricter laws, a large share of the population still does not pay income tax.
If the proposed move sees the light of the day, it could have drastic measures on the government’s tax collection and can derail economic prosperity.
A decision may also be taken to lower the highest personal income tax rate from existing 30 per cent to 25 per cent.
However, altering income tax slabs in an interim budget, before the release of Direct Tax Code Report on February 28, could pose a major economic challenge if a new government comes to power after the Lok Sabha elections.
Increased deduction limit under IT Act
Since the government is reportedly planning to increase the income tax exemption limit, it could also raise the limit of income tax deduction under various sections of the act.
Industry bodies have already demanded an increase in deduction limit under Section 80-C from Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 2,50,000.
If the government announces such a move, it will be beneficial for millions of people in the country. Citizens who earn from investments will be able to increase the amount of refund they can claim.
Universal basic income model (UBI) for poor
While the concept has been termed outlandish by many experts, the government has repeatedly said the scheme is in the pipeline. The model will enable government to provide a fixed income to individuals belonging from economically weaker sections.
A word on its implementation and structure may find mention in Jaitley’s budget speech considering the mega elections will be held between April and May.
However, experts believe that the scheme's implementation is impossible before 2022.
Armour for the Farmer
Resolving farmer woes continues to be the main focus of the BJP-led NDA government since Congress party announced a series of loan waiver in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan after coming to power.
Many analysts have already declared the interim budget as a farmer-oriented budget. Not just a loan waiver, the government is expected to announce a direct transfer benefit scheme for farmers.
An announcement is also likely on quick loans at lower interest rates for farmers.
According to a PTI report, the government is expected to increase agricultural credit flow by 10 per cent or one lakh crore, taking the total credit target to Rs 12 lakh crore. Such a move would allow the government to spend more on farmers.
Farm credit is an important aspect as it helps farmers in achieving higher farm output. This will also ensure that farmers are not compelled to borrow from loan sharks.
The government is also expected to announce monetary benefits and concessions for small and marginal farmers.
Many economists expect the government to replicate a scheme based on the Rythu Bandhu model practiced in Telangana. It remains to be seen if the government goes ahead with another farmer-oriented budget.
Focus on healthcare
Healthcare is another area where major announcements are expected. While last year’s focus was on Modicare, this year the government may offer increased tax exemptions towards healthcare and preventive checkups under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act.
Considering the government’s focus on introducing new healthcare projects for the poor, it would not be surprising if the government increases tax benefit on healthcare.
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