Union Budget 2024 -25 - Key Highlights & Takeaways
Table of Content
People from all walks of life eagerly wait for the annual budget. February 1, the D-Day when the government discloses its proposed sources and amount of revenue and resource allocation for the upcoming year, keeps individuals and businesses alike engrossed.
February 1, 2024, was no different. Finance Minister presented what is being touted as one that is not populist even though the general elections are around the corner. Instead, the latest budget is being seen as an announcement that exudes confidence in the ruling government.
As is the case with all large-scale exercises that encompass and have an impact on the broader population, this budget too brought cheers to some stakeholders while others wished that it could have done a little more for them.
The thrust of the budget has been fiscal consolidation. The overarching objective of the government is to reduce the budget deficit to 5.1 per cent in the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY-25), down from 5.8 per cent in 2023-24 (FY-24). To buoy the overall economic development in the country, the budget features an increased capital expenditure (capex) by a whopping 11 percent. As a result, Rs 11.11 lakh crore will be the capex in FY-25.
Here are the main highlights of the budget and how they impact the common man:
Budget and Direct Tax
The same tax rates for direct taxes will be followed for the fiscal year 2024-25 as well.
For individuals below 60 years
Income Tax Slabs (In Rs) |
Income Tax Rate |
Up to Rs. 2,50,000 |
Nil |
Rs. 2,50,000 - Rs. 5,00,000 |
5% |
Rs. 5,00,000 - Rs. 10,00,000 |
20% |
Above Rs. 10,00,000 |
30% |
Income Tax Slabs For Senior Citizens
Income Tax Slabs (In Rs) |
Income Tax Rate |
Up to Rs. 3,00,000 |
Nil |
Rs. 3,00,000 - Rs. 5,00,000 |
5% |
Rs. 5,00,000 - Rs. 10,00,000 |
20% |
Above Rs. 10,00,000 |
30% |
Income Tax Slabs For Super Senior Citizens
Income Tax Slabs (In Rs) |
Income Tax Rate |
Up to Rs. 5,00,000 |
Nil |
Rs. 5,00,000 - Rs. 10,00,000 |
20% |
Above Rs. 10,00,000 |
30% |
* The income tax amount will attract a Cess of 4%. The surcharge is applicable on income above Rs 50 lakh.
Certain tax benefits to Start-ups and investments made by sovereign wealth funds/pension funds, tax exemption of some International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)units earlier expiring on 31.03.2024 shall be extended up to 31.03.2025
About one crore taxpayers are likely to benefit from the withdrawal of disputed direct tax demands up to Rs 25,000 pertaining upto FY 2009-10 and up to Rs. 10,000 for FY 2010-11 to 2014-15.
People-Centric Inclusive Development
All forms of infrastructure - Physical, Social, and Digital to witness substantive development.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enjoy formalization and financial inclusion.
The tax base via GST will deepen and widen.
Strengthening of the financial sector for increased savings, credit, and investment
To develop and promote the trading of global securities and commodities through GIFT International Financial Services Centre (GIFT IFSC).
To proactively manage inflation.
All regions of the country are likely to witness active economic growth.
The Union Budget also rolled out “Strategy for Amrit Kaal”. Some of the initiatives under it are highlighted below:
Inclusive development of all sections of the society with a prime focus on the upliftment of four major castes, ‘Garib’ (Poor), ‘Yuva’ (Youth), ‘Mahilayen’ (Women), and ‘Annadata’(Farmer).
Taking adequate steps and measures to ensure that the impact of government policies reaches the last mile
Under Rooftop solarization initiative - 1 crore households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity per month
Green growth or the push towards ‘LiFE’, or Lifestyle for Environment, the country aims to reach “Net-zero” carbon emission by 2070.
Projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and amenities will be taken up in islands, including Lakshadweep.
Under Nari Shakti scheme 30 crore Mudra Yojana loans has been disbursed to women entrepreneurs.
Government has encouraged “Cervical Cancer Vaccination” for girls between age group 9-14 years.
Harnessing the potential of youth. Fostering entrepreneurial aspirations of youth - 43 crore loans sanctioned under PM Mudra Yojana.
Emphasis was laid on the effective implementation of the National Education Policy and subsequent job creation and business support. Opening of 30 Skill India International Centres for international opportunities. A National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme to offer stipend support to 47 lakh unemployed youth.
Some of the major government schemes receive major fund allocation. These include:
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme - Rs. 86,000 crore
Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) - Rs. 7500 crore. The healthcare to extend to all ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers, and helpers.
Production Linked Incentive Scheme - Rs. 6200 crore
Modified Programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem - Rs. 6903 crore
Solar Power Grid - Rs. 8500 crore
National Green Hydrogen Mission - Rs. 600 crore
The total fund allocation for Budget 2024 is as follows:
Pension - 4%
Interest payments - 20%
Centrally Sponsored Schemes - 8%
Subsidies - 6%
Defense - 8%
Central Sector Schemes - 8%
Finance Commission and Other Transfers - 8%
State’s Share of Taxes and Duties - 20%
Other Expenditure - 9%
Conclusion
In conclusion, India's Budget Highlights 2024 reflect a strategic vision to foster economic growth and social development. The government's commitment to fiscal prudence, coupled with targeted investments, sets the stage for a dynamic and sustainable economic trajectory. As the nation navigates the challenges ahead, these budgetary measures seek to propel India into a brighter future, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term aspirations.
RELATED ARTICLE
- Background about Union Budget
- Terms about the Union Budget you should know
- Union Budget of India: What is it and Why is it So Important?
- Union Budget 2023 Highlights and Important Points
- Income Tax Rebate In India — A Detailed Guide
ARN – INT/ED/02/24/8670
Term Plan Articles
Investment Articles
Savings Articles
Life Insurance Articles
Tax Articles
Retirement Articles
ULIP Articles
Subscribe to get the latest articles directly in your inbox
Health Plans Articles
Child Plans Articles
Popular Calculators
Here's all you should know about life insurance.
We help you to make informed insurance decisions for a lifetime.
HDFC Life
Reviewed by Life Insurance Experts
HDFC LIFE IS A TRUSTED LIFE INSURANCE PARTNER
We at HDFC Life are committed to offer innovative products and services that enable individuals live a ‘Life of Pride’. For over two decades we have been providing life insurance plans - protection, pension, savings, investment, annuity and health.
#This material has been prepared for information purposes only.
#The customer is requested to seek tax advice from his Chartered Accountant or personal tax advisor with respect to his personal tax liabilities under the Income-tax law
#The above mentioned are Union Budget proposals subject to approval from both the houses of parliament and assent from the President of India.
Popular Searches
- Term Insurance Calculator
- Investment Plans
- Investment Calculator
- Investment for Beginners
- Best Short Term Investments
- Best Long Term Investments
- 5 year Investment Plan
- savings plan
- ulip plan
- retirement plans
- health plans
- child insurance plans
- group insurance plans
- income tax calculator
- bmi calculator
- compound interest calculator
- income tax slab
- Income Tax Return
- what is term insurance
- Ulip vs SIP
- tax planning for salaried employees
- HRA Calculator
- Annuity From NPS
- Retirement Calculator
- Pension Calculator
- nps vs ppf
- short term investment plans
- safest investment options
- one time investment plans
- types of investments
- best investment options
- best investment options in India
- Term Insurance for Housewife
- Money Back Policy
- 1 Crore Term Insurance
- life Insurance policy
- NPS Calculator
- Savings Calculator
- life Insurance
- Gratuity Calculator
- Zero Cost Term Insurance
- critical illness insurance
- itc claim
- deductions under 80C
- section 80d
- Whole Life Insurance
- benefits of term insurance
- types of life insurance
- types of term insurance
- Benefits of Life Insurance
- Endowment Policy
- Term Insurance for NRI
- Term Insurance for Women
- Term Insurance for Self Employed
- Benefits of Health Insurance
- Health Insurance for Senior Citizens
- Health Insurance for NRI
- Best Term Insurance Plan for 1 Crore
- personal accident insurance
- Annuity Calculator
- Life Insurance Calculator
- term insurance