Highlights | Union Budget 2024: No Proposal To Change Tax Slabs, Both Direct And Indirect, Says FM

In line with expectations, FM Nirmala Sitharaman did not present a big-ticket Budget but had sops for rural population and youth.

By Reema Sharma | Last Updated: Thursday, February 1, 2024 - 13:35

New Delhi: With no respite on offer for the common tax payers in terms of direct taxation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Interim Budget 2024 in Parliament. Announcing her Budget, the FM said that direct and indirect tax rates, including import duties remain unchanged.

Since 2014, the number of tax filers has increased by 2.4 times and the amount of direct tax collected has tripled, the finance minister added. According to the FM, refunds have been mader quicker and the processing period for tax returns has been slashed from 93 days in FY14 to 10 days.

Reading out her Interim Budget speech, FM said, "I wish to make an announcement to improve tax payer services. There are a large number of petty, non-verified, non-reconciled or disputed direct tax demands, many of them dating as far back as the year 1962, which continue to remain on the books, causing anxiety to honest tax payers and hindering refunds of subsequent years. I propose to withdraw such outstanding direct tax demands up to twenty-five thousand rupees (Rs 25,000) pertaining to the period up to financial year 2009-10 and up to ten-thousand rupees (Rs 10,000) for financial years 2010-11 to 2014-15. This is expected to benefit about a crore tax-payers."

The FM in her kitty had offerings for the poor people residing in the rural areas. She announced building 2 crore more houses for the rural poor in the next five years under the continuing PM Awas Yojana (Grameen). Also among another highlights of the Interim Budget was FM's announcement of a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore with 50-year interest free loans that will provide long term financing at low or nil interest rates for the private sector to scale up research in sunrise sectors.

FM has also pegged the fiscal deficit target for 2024-25 at 5.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP, as against its target for 2023-24 at 5.9 percent. FM said that the fiscal deficit of 2023-24 was downwardly revised to 5.8 per cent.

1 February 2024, 12:29 PM

Interim Budget Live Updates: Lok Sabha Passes Finance Bill 2024

After concluding the interim Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduces the Finance Bill 2024 in Lok Sabha. Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2024. House adjourned to meet again at 1100 hours on 2nd February.

1 February 2024, 12:11 PM

Union Interim Budget Live: Withdrawal Of Disputed Direct Tax Demands

Govt to withdraw old disputed direct tax demands of up to Rs 25,000 till FY2009 and Rs 10,000 for 2010-11 to 2014-15

1 February 2024, 12:06 PM

Union Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: No Proposal To Change Tax Slabs

"I propose to retain the same tax rates for direct and indirect taxes including import duties," says FM

1 February 2024, 12:04 PM

Union Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: No Proposal To Change Tax Slabs

FM Sitharaman makes no changes in the income tax rates. She however said, govt will withdraw some very old tax cases from which over 1 crore taxpayers will benefit from withdrawal of these cases

1 February 2024, 11:56 AM

Union Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: Full Budget In July

- In the full budget in July, our Government will present a detailed roadmap for our pursuit of Viksit Bharat

- The revised estimate of the fiscal deficit is 5.8% of GDP, improving on the budget estimate notwithstanding moderation in the nominal growth estimates

- FY24 Total Expenditure Revised estimate At Rs 44.90 lakh crore

- Tax receipts estimated at Rs 26.02 trillion for FY 2024-25

 

1 February 2024, 11:47 AM

Union Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: Boost For Domestic Tourism

In order to boost domestic tourism, projects for port connectivity, tourism infra and amenities will be taken on our islands including Lakshadweep, says FM Sitharaman, adding that the outlay for infrastructure is being hiked to Rs 11.11 lakh crores in FY25

1 February 2024, 11:40 AM

Union Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: Rs 1 Lakh Cr Corpus With 50-Year Interest-Free Loan

Rs 1 lakh crore corpus to be established with 50-year interest-free loan being provided. The purpose is for long-term financing or re-financing with low or nil interest rates

1 February 2024, 11:39 AM

Interim Budget 2024-25 Live Updates: 300 Units Of Free Electricity Every Month 

One crore households in the country will be enabled to avail up to 300 units of free electricity every month through roof-top solarisation, says FM, that follows the resolve of the Prime Minister on the significant day of the consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

1 February 2024, 11:34 AM

Union Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: 2 Cr Houses For Poor In The Next 5 Years

- Under the Rural Housing Scheme 2 Cr houses will be built for the poor in the next 5 years

- Housing scheme for the middle class

- Will work on opening more medical colleges in the country Under the rooftop solar plan, 300 units/month free electricity to 1 Cr houses

1 February 2024, 11:31 AM

Interim Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: Next 5 Years A Phase Of Unprecedented Development

FM Nirmala Sitharaman says that the upcoming 5 years will see phase of unprecedented developments. The government will adopt economic policies, improve productivity and create opportunities for all

1 February 2024, 11:21 AM

Budget 2024-25 Expectations LIVE: Focus On Governance, Development and Performance

Government is equally focused on GDP - Governance, Development and Performance. Government will make next generational reforms. Priority for our govt to ensure timely finances

1 February 2024, 11:17 AM

Budget 2024 Speech LIVE Updates: Skill India Mission Trained 1.4 Cr Youth

Higher learning institutions --7 IITs, 16 IIITs, 7 IIMs, 15 AIIMS and 390 Universities --have been set up. Skill India Mission has trained 1.4 crore youth, upskilled and re-skilled 54 lakh youth, and established 3000 new ITIs, says FM

1 February 2024, 11:13 AM

Union Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: FM Highlights Inclusive Development Undertaken By Govt

House for all, water for every house, emphasis on electricity for all, free ration was provided to 80 crore people, MSP was increased for farmers, emphasis was on rural economy, emphasis was on providing benefits of government schemes to all the poor, Government's focus on women, youth and farmers, work continues on all-round, all-embracing and inclusive development, says FM

1 February 2024, 11:09 AM

Interim Budget 2024 LIVE: FM Sitharaman Lauds Structural Reforms

FM Sitharaman in her budget speech has lauded structural reforms, pro-people programme & employment opportunities undertaken by the Modi government, which she said, has helped economy get new vigour

1 February 2024, 11:05 AM

Budget 2024 Speech LIVE Updates: FM Confident Of Victory In LS Polls

Our govt will be blessed by the people with a resounding mandate, says FM Sitharaman

1 February 2024, 11:04 AM

Budget 2024 Speech LIVE Updates: Several Initiatives Taken In Last 10 Years, FM

People have blessed the government in their mandate. With Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas and Sabka Vishwas --Our development philosophy, through development of all the regions in the country, says FM

1 February 2024, 10:44 AM

Budget 2024 Income tax slabs LIVE:  Build Robust Data Protection

Eklavya Gupta the founder of Recur Club has requested the FM for data protection to build robust data protection framework that balances innovation with user privacy

 

“To attract domestic and foreign investments in the fintech sector tax breaks could provide a nudge in the right direction. Lastly, a crucial factor that influences both lenders and borrowers is data protection, so building a robust data protection framework that balances innovation with user privacy will foster responsible data usage within the industry.” she said.

 

1 February 2024, 10:34 AM

Interim Budget 2024 Speech LIVE Updates: FM Meets Prez Murmu Before Presenting Budget

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman along with Ministers of State Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad and Pankaj Chaudhary and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance had the customary meeting with the President during which they met Prez Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan before presenting the Union Budget

1 February 2024, 10:11 AM

Interim Budget 2024-25 LIVE Updates: Cabinet Meets In Parliament Ahead Of Budget

Union Cabinet meets in Parliament, ahead of the presentation of the interim Budget. FM Sitharaman's speech shortly

1 February 2024, 09:39 AM

Budget 2024 Speech LIVE Updates: Budget Copies Reach Parliament

Copies of Interim Budget 2024 have arrived Parliament. FM Sitharaman is all set to present her sixth straight budget today

1 February 2024, 09:14 AM

Interim Budget 2024 LIVE: FM Ozzes Elegance In Blue Saree

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's first photo before presentation of the budget are out. FM looks elegant in a blue saree

1 February 2024, 09:10 AM

Budget 2024-25 LIVE: FM Reaches Ministry
 
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at the Ministry of Finance as she is set to present the interim Budget today

1 February 2024, 08:43 AM

Budget 2024-25 LIVE: FM Sitharaman Leaves For Finance Ministry

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman leaves for the Ministry of Finance in North Block. Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary arrives at the Ministry of Finance, arrive at the Ministry of Finance

1 February 2024, 08:30 AM

Union Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: MoS Finance Karad Leaves Residence

MoS Finance Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad leaves from his residence in Delhi, ahead of presentation of Interim budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

1 February 2024, 08:18 AM

Union Budget 2024 LIVE Updates: Finance Minister's Schedule Before Budget Speech

FM Nirmala Sitharaman will leave her residence around 8.15 and will reach Finance Ministry and meet with her budget team. There will be a photo op at Gate No. 2 of the Finance Ministry around 8.50. From there she will go to Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

1 February 2024, 08:07 AM

Interim Budget 2024 LIVE: FM With Team To Meet Prez Murmu At 8.15am

FM along with the Minister of State (MoS) to reach the Finance Ministry at 8:15 am for photo session. Thereafter, she and her team will hold the customary meet with President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan

1 February 2024, 08:02 AM

Budget 2024-25 Expectations LIVE: Emphasis On Supporting MSMEs In India

Sudarshan Chari, Executive Director and Head of SME Banking, DBS Bank India said that the sector expects continued emphasis on supporting MSMEs in India, building upon the momentum initiated last year.  

"Concerted efforts to include all MSMEs on Udyam will be crucial, enabling them to access government schemes, incentives, and formal credit channels. In 2023, the CGTMSE cap saw an upward revision, bringing more businesses into the fold of formal financial services," he adds

1 February 2024, 07:58 AM

Budget 2024-25 LIVE: Budget Speech Timings

FM Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to begin her Budget speech in Parliament at 11 am

1 February 2024, 07:29 AM

Budget 2024-25 LIVE: Tax Relief Measures Expected

Gurmeet Singh Chawla, Director at Master Capital Services Ltd said that government might go for tax relief measures and announcements to support agriculture, rural sector while maintaining a focus on the capex push. 

"This sector grappled with immediate challenges such as adverse weather conditions, the impact of climate change, and inflationary pressures. Government spending on capex is expected to increase to offset global growth concerns. Allocation of more funds to the infrastructure segment and focus on the growth of digitized India, green hydrogen, EVs, and broadband are also expected," he added.

1 February 2024, 06:15 AM

Live Updates | Interim Budget 2024: How To Download Budget?

You can check out the Budget 2024 documents without using paper! Just download the Union Budget Mobile App, and you'll find all the important Budget papers there. This includes things like the Annual Financial Statement, Demand for Grants, and the Finance Bill, as required by the Constitution. It's an easy way to stay updated on the Budget information.

31 January 2024, 20:48 PM

Live Updates | Interim Budget 2024: FM May Announce Some Support For Rural Economy

The next budget might provide help for rural areas by giving money directly or creating a safety net, according to experts.

31 January 2024, 19:36 PM

Union Budget 2024 | Live Updates: Key Expectations For The Sector

"The upcoming Interim Budget 2024 is quite significant for the tech sector of our country. Key expectations for the sector from the budget revolve around addressing the cybersecurity issues, nurturing innovation, and developing talent, along with building a skilled workforce. Apart from this, giving priority to enhancing cybersecurity skills, strengthening critical infrastructure, and fostering awareness is paramount," Krishna Vij, Business Head- TeamLease Digital said.

He further added that, "The budget should also bolster the startup ecosystem, bridge the industry-academia gap, invest in transformative technologies like AI, blockchain, and emphasize digital literacy, reskilling, and STEM education. In order to attract global investments, it is crucial to simplify regulatory processes, boost infrastructure and offer tax incentives to companies. These focal points are of critical importance to unlock India’s potential to create a booming and secure digital ecosystem."

31 January 2024, 19:34 PM

Union Budget | Live Updates: Progressive Policies To Strengthen Fintech

Abhay Bhutada- Managing Director- Poonawalla Fincorp, “I think the 2024 interim budget will help deepen NBFCs contribution to India’s sustainable economic growth, aligned with the goal of becoming 5 trillion USD economy. This budget should lay emphasis on offering liquidity assistance to galvanize the lending ecosystem. I hope for more progressive policies to strengthen Fintech and digital lending ecosystem and enhancing digital skills, as well as supporting and ensuring a robust regulatory framework for NBFCs.”

31 January 2024, 19:14 PM

Live Updates | Interim Budget 2024: Expectations For Key Sectors

Suman Bannerjee, CIO, Hedonova a Paris-based hedge fund said "As we eagerly await the Budget 2024 interim, our expectations resonate across key sectors. In railways, we anticipate a surge in investment, unveiling transformative projects and introducing 300-400 Vande Bharat trains. The commitment to new highways holds promise for enhanced connectivity and economic vitality."

He further said "The manufacturing sector anticipates a visionary PLI scheme, fostering innovation and global competitiveness. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman's budget is poised to be a catalyst, propelling India towards a future of modernized infrastructure, efficient railways, robust highways, and a thriving manufacturing ecosystem."

31 January 2024, 18:28 PM

Live | Budget 2024 India | Budget 2024: Enhanced Connectivity In Railways

"As we eagerly await the Budget 2024 interim, our expectations resonate across key sectors. In railways, we anticipate a surge in investment, unveiling transformative projects and introducing 300-400 Vande Bharat trains. The commitment to new highways holds promise for enhanced connectivity and economic vitality", said Suman Bannerjee, CIO, Hedonova a Paris based hedge fund. 

She also reckoned that "The manufacturing sector anticipates a visionary PLI scheme, fostering innovation and global competitiveness. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman's budget is poised to be a catalyst, propelling India towards a future of modernized infrastructure, efficient railways, robust highways, and a thriving manufacturing ecosystem".
 

31 January 2024, 18:26 PM

Union Budget 2024 | Live Updates: Anticipation Of Increased Tax Benefits For Homebuyers 

Piyush Bothra, Co-Founder and CFO, of Square Yards said, "Homebuyers are anticipating increased tax benefits in the upcoming budget. One key expectation is to elevate the current Rs 2 lakh tax rebate on housing loan interest under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act to a minimum of Rs 5 lakh. This adjustment is crucial to bolster housing demand, especially within the affordable housing segment. Additionally, a reassessment of the price bracket for affordable housing is necessary, particularly in cities like Mumbai, where the current limit of Rs 45 lakh is impractical. Raising this limit to Rs 75 lakh or beyond will significantly benefit a broader spectrum of homebuyers, fostering affordability and driving housing demand.

Furthermore, a reduction in the prevailing 20% capital gains tax is recommended. This move will incentivize investments, subsequently fostering increased economic growth and stability

31 January 2024, 18:21 PM

Interim Budget 2024 | Live: Real Estate Sector Seeking A Strategic Roadmap

“The real estate community looks at the upcoming budget with optimism, seeking a strategic roadmap that aligns well with evolving needs of stakeholders including end-users developers & investors. Housing, infrastructure development, sustainability and digitization will remain at the core of the budget, which will go a long way in supporting real estate growth across segments in long term. EV infrastructure, renewable energy and green financing will continue to remain in focus creating a strong base for a sustainable future. Incentivisation of green buildings through minimum alternate tax or tax breaks similar to infrastructure sector will be particularly beneficial. Meanwhile, retail investors are calling for additional rationalising of the capital gains tax structure. The Union Budget 2024-25 should explore initiatives to boost greater retail engagement in REITs and InvITs. Moreover, alterations to personal tax slabs have the potential to fuel consumption across various sectors, including real estate assets and allied sectors,” Badal Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer, Colliers India 

31 January 2024, 18:19 PM

Live Updates | Interim Budget: MSME Needs Several Measures

"The MSME sector faces a critical challenge in accessing affordable funding due to heavy reliance on informal sources which is having a high interest rate. The government should prioritize formal lending, introduce an interest subvention scheme amid rising interest rates, and incentivize investments to boost the sector," says Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions

31 January 2024, 18:17 PM

Live | Union Budget 2024: Need To Foster Acceptance Of Insurance

"Since about 70% of the population lives in rural regions, many are unaware of the benefits of insurance. These locations lack an understanding of insurance and its relevance and hence there is a need to foster acceptance of insurance in these specific markets. The integration of technology, a more personalized approach, raising awareness, and providing general insurance education are all possible strategies to increase insurance penetration in India's rural markets:" Rohit Boda, GMD, J.B. Boda Group