This refers to the editorial, “For A Healthy India” (February 2). like every year's budget, this year's budget also has its share of hits and misses. Highlights of the budget was an assurance to the farmers where they will get minimum support price for all crops, that is 50% higher than cost of their production, hence making it viable for them to grow, but that alone will not save farmers their distress.
What is really unfortunate is that salaried class which contributes significantly to the government's tax kitty were disappointed because now standard deduction of Rs 40000 per annum will include current tax free limits too and there was no change in the income tax slab. To compensate it, the Finance Minister has tried to woo senior citizens by increasing the health care insurance premium limit to Rs 50000 per annum and they can also claim general medical expenditure under this benefit now. While Ayushman Bharat, biggest government sponsored healthcare programme in the world will cover 10 crore poor families, is a welcome move, implementation will be the key. Education remains a problem area and in this regard, it is a welcome move by the Government to roll out integrated B.Ed, moving from traditional black board to digital one to increase digital footprint and aligning with changing realities of the society. Reduction in corporate tax for the companies having a turn over upto Rs 250 crore is a good step with a clear benefit for small and medium-sized enterprises as this sector needs to be given attention, as it not only contributes to our GDP but creates decent amount of new jobs in the economy. At a time when our banks are struggling with huge non performing assets and fresh credit off take is a challenge, softer tax liabilities for bidders of stressed companies is a huge sigh of relief.