India's Union Budget 2024-25: An In-Depth Analysis

The Union Budget 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, addresses the economic challenges and aspirations of different segments of the population. This blog explores the advantages and disadvantages of the budget for the middle, lower, and upper classes, compares it with previous budgets, and assesses its overall impact on the Indian economy.

Key Highlights

1. Economic Indicators and Fiscal Policy:

 Receipts and Expenditure: Total receipts (excluding borrowings) are projected at ₹32.07 lakh crore, while total expenditure is estimated at ₹48.21 lakh crore.

Fiscal Deficit: The fiscal deficit is set at 4.9% of GDP, with a target to reduce it below 4.5% in the next fiscal year.

2. Taxation and Personal Finance:

Standard Deduction: Increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 for salaried employees.

Revised Tax Slabs: The 5% tax rate now applies to incomes ₹3-7 lakh, with the highest rate of 30% for incomes above ₹15 lakh.

NPS Contributions: Employer contributions towards the National Pension System (NPS) are now deductible up to 14% of the employee's salary, up from 10%.

3. Sector-Specific Initiatives:

Agriculture: Allocation of ₹1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors, with the introduction of 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties.

Tourism: Development of new religious circuits in Gaya, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda to boost tourism.

4. Social and Employment Programs:

Employment and Skilling: A package of five schemes aimed at employment and skilling, projected to benefit 4.1 crore youth over five years. This includes incentives for job creation, support for employers, and the skilling of 20 lakh youth.

5. Other Key Measures:

Import Duties on Gold: Reduction from 15% to 6% to curb gold smuggling and benefit the organized jewelry sector.

Social Security Benefits: Enhanced social security benefits and simplified tax regime to stimulate economic growth and investment.

Advantages and Disadvantages for Different Economic Classes

Middle Class

Advantages:

1. Increased Disposable Income:

The increase in the standard deduction from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 and the revised tax slabs provide significant financial relief to middle-class families, enhancing their disposable income and boosting overall consumption.

2. Enhanced Social Security:

The higher deductible limit for NPS contributions improves retirement benefits, offering better financial stability and security for middle-class employees.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Benefits for Higher Middle-Class:

While the revised tax slabs benefit lower and middle-income earners, higher middle-class individuals might not see substantial changes in their tax liabilities, limiting the overall financial relief for this segment.

2. Indirect Tax Burdens:

Potential increases in indirect taxes or levies, which are often part of budget adjustments, could impact the cost of living for the middle class, offsetting some of the direct tax benefits.

Lower Class

Advantages:

1. Social Programs and Employment:

The extensive social and employment programs aimed at skilling and job creation are expected to benefit the lower-income groups significantly, providing new opportunities for employment and economic upliftment.

2. Agricultural Support:

The significant allocation for agriculture and allied sectors is likely to benefit lower-income families involved in farming, improving productivity and income stability.

Disadvantages:

1. Implementation Challenges:

The effectiveness of social and employment programs depends on their implementation, which can be challenging and may result in delays or inefficiencies that limit the immediate benefits to lower-income groups.

2. Minimal Direct Tax Relief:

Lower-income individuals typically benefit less from direct tax cuts as they fall below the taxable income threshold, thus missing out on substantial direct financial relief.

Upper Class

Advantages:

1. Investment Incentives:

Changes in the capital gains tax regime and other investment-related tax adjustments could provide better financial planning opportunities for high-net-worth individuals, encouraging more investment and economic activity.

2. Reduction in Gold Import Duties:

The significant reduction in import duties on gold benefits wealthy individuals who invest in gold, making it more affordable and reducing the costs associated with purchasing gold.

Disadvantages:

1. Luxury Tax Adjustments:

Potential increases in luxury taxes or surcharges on high-end goods and services could offset some of the benefits received by upper-class individuals, impacting their overall expenditure.

2. Increased Tax on Share Buybacks:

The taxation on income received from the buyback of shares could discourage share repurchase programs, impacting the financial strategies of wealthy investors.

Comparison with Previous Budgets

1. Focus on Middle Class and Social Security:

Compared to previous budgets, the 2024-25 budget places a stronger emphasis on supporting the middle class through increased standard deductions and revised tax slabs, as well as enhancing social security benefits through higher NPS contributions.

2. Agriculture and Rural Development:

The allocation for agriculture and allied sectors is significantly higher, reflecting a continued commitment to improving rural livelihoods and addressing climate resilience in farming.

3. Tourism and Cultural Development:

The focus on developing religious circuits and promoting tourism is more pronounced in this budget, highlighting a strategic approach to leveraging India's cultural heritage for economic growth.

4. Reduction in Import Duties:

The substantial reduction in import duties on gold marks a notable shift from previous budgets, addressing long-standing demands from the gold sector and aiming to curb smuggling.

Conclusion

The Union Budget 2024-25 presents a balanced approach to fostering economic growth, enhancing social security, and supporting key sectors. While it offers significant advantages such as increased disposable income for the middle class, support for agriculture, and promotion of tourism, it also faces challenges like managing the fiscal deficit and ensuring effective implementation of ambitious programs. The budget's impact varies across different economic classes, providing targeted benefits while also posing specific disadvantages.

The effectiveness of the budget will ultimately depend on the government's ability to execute these initiatives efficiently and address any emerging challenges. As India navigates the complexities of a dynamic global economy, the 2024-25 budget sets a positive tone for future growth and development.