In the general budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, the focus should be on providing relief to taxpayers, especially those in the lower-income group, to boost consumption, industry leaders suggested to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Sitharaman is set to present the full budget for 2024-25 on July 23, which will be the first major policy document of the Narendra Modi 3.0 administration. The industry has also urged the Finance Minister to reduce corporate taxes, phase out tax exemptions, and broaden the tax base to promote economic growth.
Simplify the Tax System
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the full Budget for fiscal 2024-25 on July 23, marking the first major policy document of the new government. Industry leaders have called for a rationalisation and simplification of the tax system to improve compliance and promote investment. Measures such as reducing corporate tax rates, phasing out tax exemptions, and broadening the tax base are seen as essential steps to make the tax regime more efficient and equitable.
Rating agency ICRA has projected that the government is likely to set a fiscal deficit target at 4.9-5 per cent for FY25, as against 5.1 per cent estimated in the Interim Budget on February 1. This target is expected without compromising the capital expenditure goal of Rs 11.1 lakh crore. “While favourable developments on the revenue front portend positively for the fiscal dynamics in FY2025, ICRA believes that fiscal consolidation will turn quite challenging beyond the current fiscal,” the rating agency stated.
Mayank Gupta, co-founder and COO of Zopper Insurtech, anticipates that the Budget will focus on policies to promote economic growth and offer relief, especially for lower-income brackets, to stimulate consumption. “From the point of view of insurance, we suggest amending section 80C of the Income Tax Act to permit a greater limit on insurance premium payments, thereby encouraging more individuals to buy insurance products. Additionally, there should also be an allowance of deduction for term life insurance under the new tax regime,” he said.
Anish Mashruwala, partner at JSA Advocates and Solicitors, noted that the NBFC sector is expecting some ease of doing business considering the multitude of regulatory compliances. “Of course, a balance needs to be struck in terms of oversight and hopefully this is something that the government ably considers,” Mashruwala added.
Rumki Majumdar, economist at Deloitte India, suggested that the government must expand the scope of PLI schemes, especially for sectors that can create more jobs, such as textiles, handicraft, and leather. The schemes must continue in sectors that have seen success, such as electronics, auto, and semiconductors.
On expectations from the finance minister, Vishal Goel, managing director at RX Propellant, said the life sciences sector has immense potential and has been drawing global players to leverage strengths in contract manufacturing and establishing global capability centres (GCCs). “We are optimistic that the upcoming budget announcement will prioritise the life sciences sector, enhancing investment flows and fuelling innovation and success in India,” Goel stated.
Pankaj Sharma, CEO of Religare Finvest, expects measures to reduce financing costs through interest rate subsidies and ease access to credit, especially for new-to-credit entrepreneurs through policy measures and comprehensive tax relief for the MSME sector. “Investment in digital infrastructure and skill development is crucial to empower MSMEs with the latest technology and boost productivity,” Sharma said.
Assocham has also suggested structural reforms in the agriculture sector to enhance productivity, market access, and income opportunities for farmers. It also recommended promoting contract farming, investing in agri-infrastructure, facilitating value chain integration, and encouraging diversification into high-value crops.
