pm-modi-backed-tax-cuts-early-while-officials-took-time-fm-sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was clear about providing tax relief in the Union Budget, but the finance ministry had to work on the proposal before moving forward.

 

She highlighted the government’s continuous efforts to simplify direct taxes and reduce the compliance burden on taxpayers.

 

Speaking in an interview, Sitharaman said that the prime minister was firm on the idea of tax relief and wanted to do something for the taxpayers. However, it took time to convince the bureaucrats, as they needed to be sure about revenue generation.

 

She added that this was their responsibility, but in the end, everyone agreed to the proposal.

 

The finance minister mentioned that over time, the government had been working to simplify direct taxes while ensuring fairness. She explained that during her visits across the country, she heard concerns from taxpayers who took pride in fulfilling their obligations but hoped for some relief.

 

She assured them that the government was considering their requests carefully.

 

Presenting the Union Budget, Sitharaman announced tax relief measures aimed at salaried individuals. The revised tax structure ensures that those earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually will not have to pay any income tax.

 

Different tax slabs were introduced to provide relief to middle-class taxpayers while maintaining revenue collection.

 

She stressed that the government had always listened to the concerns of different sections of society. Just as the prime minister regularly engages with deprived communities and vulnerable groups, he also ensures that the voices of the middle class and salaried individuals are heard.

 

She stated that it is not just about acknowledging their concerns but finding a way to address them effectively.

 

Citing Abraham Lincoln, Sitharaman described the budget as being shaped by the people, for the people, and of the people. She reiterated that the government had taken into account the needs and aspirations of the middle class, ensuring that the budget reflected their expectations.

 

With these measures, the government aims to ease the tax burden on individuals while continuing to focus on economic growth. The finance minister emphasised that this step aligns with the broader vision of creating a fair and simplified tax system that benefits both taxpayers and the nation.