The move could benefit tens of millions of taxpayers, especially city dwellers burdened by high living costs, if they opt for a 2020 tax system that strips exemptions like housing rentals
The steel ministry believes that a higher import duty, if implemented, could mitigate the adverse effects of a rise in cheaper imports of finished steel, particularly from China
The association's president, Atul Ganatra said that around 67 per cent of India's cotton is produced in rain-fed areas
According to the Nathealth-Healthcare Federation of India, the sector is pushing for an increase in healthcare spending to 2.5 per cent of the GDP
In its pre-Budget recommendations, NATHEALTH sought increasing budgetary allocations of the healthcare sector to over 2.5 per cent of GDP
Prime Minister Modi emphasised that Viksit Bharat can be achieved through a fundamental change in mindset, which is focused towards making India developed by 2047
Targets fiscal deficit 'lower than 4.5% of GDP'
Seek relief from state levies, Customs duties, pitch for single window clearance system
The CII pointed out that despite being successful, the PSL framework required recalibration to stay relevant
Also, the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST compensation cess is likely to get a six month extension till June, 2025, to submit its report. The compensation cess regime comes to an end in March, 2026
In addition to this, the Union finance minister stated that the Centre has created an additional dispensation under SASCI for the states affected by disaster of a severe nature as assessed by the Inte
Noting that elevated inflation remains a critical hurdle for growth, Balagopal also said the economy faces issues such as slow credit and deposit growth, tightening liquidity conditions, and a weaker
In the Budget for 2024-25, Sitharaman had hiked the allocations for interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure, enabling states to spend more on infrastructure and specified reforms
The official further noted that this year's Budget consultations are particularly significant due to the political outcomes of recent state elections
The meeting aimed to seek inputs and suggestions for the Budget for 2025-26, expected to be presented on February 1
Call for reining in food inflation and raising investment in pre-Budget talks
Sitharaman, who will chair these meetings, will seek their inputs regarding upcoming Budget amid seven-quarter low GDP print of 5.4 per cent in second quarter of the current financial year.
The estimated revenue deficit stands at Rs 34,743 crore (2.12 per cent of the GSDP), while the fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs 68,743 crore (4.19 per cent of the GSDP)
The budget is expected to be presented with just over four months remaining in the FY 2024-25
Industry body FICCI sought the introduction of an "amnesty scheme under customs" as a one-time settlement scheme to clear past dues