Budget 2017 to bring positive structure to economy:

 The government’s commitment to rural electrification and the announcement of an additional 20,000 MW of solar target is a welcome step that gives a much needed boost to the renewable sector. However, we believe that for renewable sector to achieve its potential strengthening the Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) mechanism is essential and should be part of government’s larger vision for renewable energy.""The move towards improving electricity access to rural India will be instrumental in contributing to the social and economic development of the country. 

Raincoat Jibe: Rahul says Modi likes to peep into 'bathrooms'

 Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his raincoat jibe against predecessor Manmohan Singh, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said the PM "likes peeping into other people's bathrooms." Raincoat Jibe: Rahul says Modi likes to peep into bathrooms Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his raincoat jibe against predecessor Manmohan Singh, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said the PM "likes peeping into other people's bathrooms." While addressing a joint press conference with UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav after the release of SP-Congress list of 'Top Priorities', Rahul said, "He loves peeping into other people's bathroom. He loves to google. He can to do all that in his free time, but he also needs to fulfill his promises."

Union Budget 2017-18: Big infrastructure push a major takeaway, says

Arun Lakhani A big infrastructure push along with a substantial hike in provisions for the National Highways in the Union Budget for 2017-18 is a major takeaway and I congratulate the Finance Minister for the growth oriented approach. Arun Lakhani (more) Chairman and Managing Director, Vishvaraj Infrastructure Ltd | Arun Lakhani, Chairman and Managing Director, Vishvaraj Infrastructure Ltd "A big infrastructure push along with a substantial hike in provisions for the National Highways in the Union Budget for 2017-18 is a major takeaway and I congratulate the Finance Minister for the growth oriented approach. A 25 percent higher capital expenditure is sure to give the economy a big growth momentum

Budget 2017: Time to align with the changes in income tax rules

 The budget of 2017 has many provisions which affect an individual tax payer. Let us discus these in detail. Reduced tax rates for initial tax slab and imposition of surcharge on higher taxable income Looking at the fact that the tax base of the tax payer is very narrow in the country as compared to other countries, the finance minister did not have the luxury of increasing the present limit exemption limit of Rs. 2.50 lakh. In order to increase the tax base, the Finance minister has proposed reduced tax rate for the initial tax slab of Rs. 2.50 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh from 10% to 5%. This will reduce tax liability almost all the tax payers. However in order to make up for the loss due to proposal of reduced tax rates, the finance minister has proposed to levy a surcharge of 10% on the taxpayers whose income is above Rs. 50 lakh. Surcharge of 15% on the income above Rs 1 Crore will continue to be levied. Reduction in amount and eligibility for tax rebate under Section 87A Presently an Individual tax payer is eligible to a tax rebate of up to Rs. 5000 in case the taxable income does not exceed Rs. 5 lakh. The Finance minister has proposed to reduce both. Now the eligibility for this rebate has been reduced to Rs. 3.5 Lakh and the quantum of the tax rebate will also be restricted to Rs. 2500 only. So effectively individual with income less than Rs 3 lakh and senior citizens with income less than Rs 3.50 lakh will not have to pay any tax. Of course, they still have to file income tax returns.