Budget News - Page 26

Budget 2012 could be Pranab's easiest: he has no options

Having gorged on excessive spending for years, the government has to go on an austere diet now. Driven by liquidity, markets don't seem to have budgeted for the impact of this 'bitter medicine'.

Budget 2012: More populist than reformist?

Don't hold your breath for a stunningly 'big-bang' Budget. Chances are, the government no longer has any appetite for that.

Budget 2012 primer: How can govt increase revenues?

Equity markets will aid govt's disinvestment process and should lead to higher disinvestment revenues. Telecom spectrum auctions will improve non-tax revenue growth .

Railways hike freight rates ahead of Budget 2012

Railways has increased freight rate by four percent on some key commodities such as sugar and some petroleum products to meet rising fuel cost and higher wages.

UP election impact: Lower chances of Budget reforms?

Budget focus might remain on fiscal consolidation, reduction of subsidies, and expansion of the service tax ambit, but bold announcements on reforms can be ruled out.

Boosting business sentiment should be goal of Budget 2012

The best thing the budget can do is to give a clear message that the economy is on the right path and India is a good investment destination.

Outcomes, not outlays: Why FM must reverse budget process

We need to change the outlay-oriented budgeting process by an outcome-oriented one. This one reform will make a difference to the quality of government spending

Budget 2012: Will Pranab-da solve govt's biggest problem?

With Parliamentary elections just two years away, and a mammoth money-guzzling Food Security Bill on the anvil, don't expect the govt to tighten its purse strings too much

Budget may provide Rs 5,000 cr to improve grain distribution

Plans to expand the bill food are a likely vote-winner for the ruling Congress but could worsen strained finances as a flagging economy crimps revenue.

Finally, a cap on govt spending, but will it work?

The government might soon place a cap on its spending by forbidding departments from spending more than one-third of their total budgets in the final quarter of the current financial year ending March.

Memo to FM: 10 reforms we need to see in the next budget

The budget coming up on 16 March has raised great expectations. It's best if Pranab Mukherjee focuses on serious reform, instead of playing to the gallery.

Good news! Tax exemption may rise to Rs 1.5 lakh

In a bid to boost the falling savings rate, govt may consider increasing the income tax exemption limit on individual savings to Rs 1.5 lakh from the current Rs 1 lakh

Have money in Swiss banks? Watch out, FM will get you

The Income Tax department may be allowed to reopen assessments for the last 16 years instead of six years now.

Govt attempts to fix deficit, may hike excise duty to 12%

While this may help the government reduce the gap, there are concerns that an increase in the excise duty will add to the inflationary pressure.

Budget 2012: Uniform 6% road tax on vehicles soon

The Centre suggested that states levy a one-time road tax of 6 percent on the price of cars and two-wheelers unlike current system where it varies from state to state.

Will Budget 2012 push through reforms in power and energy?

Given that 2014 is the year before Lok Sabha elections, 2013's Budget will most likely be littered with political giveaways and freebies

Relief for home-loaners, FM to double tax deductions

The government is considering raising the tax exemption for up to Rs 3 lakh paid as interest on housing loans in a year, from the existing limit of Rs 1.5 lakh

Budget 2012: Should you give a damn?

Media reports suggest that this year's Budget could contain a proposal to raise the income tax exemption limit to Rs 3 lakh from Rs 1.8 lakh currently.

After Vodafone, will Budget 2012 change norms on taxing international deals?

The APA mechanism will allow companies to enter into agreements with the tax authorities to prevent future disputes with regard to pricing of products and services for the purpose of cross-border trade between related entities

Decision on tax code deferred, Parl panel to meet on 17 Feb

The committee, according to sources, wants the government to raise the income tax exemption limit to Rs 3 lakh in view of the near double-digit inflation which has eroded purchasing power of rupee.

Budget 2012: Realty has a long wish-list.Will Pranab-da deliver?

The real estate sector is looking for a Budget that will ensure tax-free incentives for low-budget housing, a boost in infrastructure spending and streamlining of regulatory processes.

What Pranab can borrow from Chidu's Dream Budget of 1997

Pranab Mukherjee can borrow some of the audacity shown in P Chidambaram's Dream Budget of 1997.

Losing sleep over rising subsidy bill: Pranab

The lower economic growth of 6.9 percent, as against the original estimate of 9 percent, will further aggravate the fiscal deficit.

Rail budget to be presented on 14 Mar, Union budget on 16 Mar

The budget session will begin on 12 March with President Pratibha Patil addressing the joint sitting of members of both the Houses of Parliament.

Competition Policy to be ready by March: Moily

Moily said the Companies Bill is likely to be passed during the Budget session of Parliament.

Fiscal consolidation needed for stimulating growth: RBI

Although the food inflation has turned negative in recent past, the overall inflation was 7.5 percent in December.

Trivedi meets PM, seeks fund for railway modernisation plan

Ahead of rail budget, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking adequate financial support for the modernisation of the national transporter.

Will RBI and FinMin work together to sustain growth?

Will the finance ministry do its bit in the Budget and then look for a further boost from the RBI? Or does North Block expect Subbarao to do most of the hard work himself?

Honey, I shrunk the fiscal deficit, and I don't know how

Firstpost scoops a conversation on how the fiscal deficit is going to be cut this year and economic growth rejuvenated. But take it with a pinch of salt.

Karma is cruel, and Pranab-da has nowhere to hide

The UPA government's sins of fiscal profligacy and economic mismanagement are catching up with it. Pranab Mukherjee and the Dream Team have virtually no elbow room to revive the economy.