And for a Friday dominated by the Union Budget and the C-17 US Military aircraft in Amritsar, some thoughts….. some musings…..
The most important take-away for me was the recognition for the first time ever of the honest tax payer and a decent tax relief across all income slabs. The tax paying middle class in India has silently borne the burden of facilitating the Nations finances, both thru direct and indirect taxes. First time ever, those earning 24 lakhs and above will have an annual saving of 1.10 lakhs and those whose salary income is less than 12 lakhs will have to pay ZERO income tax, a clear signal that the Govt has at last recognised the honest tax payer. My only prayer still; why can’t the tax net be widened; why can’t the rich farmers pay income taxes. How come so many rich business men and families own multiple luxury cars and real estates and yet are able to be below the Tax radar. Is there any secret formula that most of us are not aware???? The other area which impressed me in this Budget was the emphasis and financial resources provided for integrating Technology into agriculture. Agri tech startups, Digital platforms for farmers, second Gene-bank with 10 lakh Germ plasm lines, upgrading the infrastructure and warehousing for Air cargo, especially for exports of perishables like fruits and vegetables. From current levels of 35,000 Crores, we can easily double our exports and with the record food grain production, India will not only meet her own demand but will contribute to the Global food security, particularly the developing countries in Africa, Middle East and Asia.
The sight of 104 illegal immigrants sent back from US in a Military C-17 cargo carrier attracted headlines. But honestly, I have no sympathy for these law breakers who are not poor but greedy and have fallen prey to the machinations and guiles of the treacherous agents and brokers who have charged them Rs 50 to 80 lakhs each. Some of the families have sold their lands and jewelry to raise this money. India as a country has a clear policy against illegal immigration, especially since it is linked with several forms of organised crimes and terrorist activities. We have suffered in Kashmir, Punjab and many other parts of Eastern and Western India. The harsh realities, punishment and family disgrace will hopefully dissuade others and nobody should venture into such illegal activities.
India has such a large and multilayered complex societal structures, that the scale of problems are humongous. But so is our resolve to find solutions, the equitable way, the legal way, the SEEGOS way.