After Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s latest budget announcement, individuals and businesses alike are eager to know the developments that will shape their financial strategies in 2024. With changes spanning various sectors, the budget proposes a roadmap for economic development, growth, and sustainability.
As we explore the details of the budget, it’s important to identify the key takeaways that will influence smart planning for the upcoming year. Whether you’re an individual investor, a business owner, or simply someone looking to navigate the financial landscape, understanding these key points will help you align your goals with the changing economic environment.
Post-budget key takeaways for 2024
1. No changes in income tax
FM Nirmala Sitharaman proposed no changes in direct and indirect tax rates, along with import duties. This will provide a stable tax environment for both individuals and businesses, enabling them to plan their finances for the upcoming year without the uncertainty of sudden tax hikes.
The Finance Minister also proposed to withdraw all pending tax demands up to Rs. 25,000 till 2009-10 and Rs. 10,000 till 2014-15, bringing relief for 1 crore taxpayers. They can use this opportunity to reallocate the funds towards more productive investments or savings.
2. Attractive corpus for young entrepreneurs
The government announced a Rs 1 lakh crore corpus for the tech-savvy youth with 50-year interest-free loans. This is to fuel innovation and scalability in sunrise industries.
The corpus will provide “long-term low or nil interest rates so that the youth can innovate at scale,” says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
This initiative offers an excellent opportunity for young entrepreneurs and innovators to turn their ideas into reality without any financial constraints. By leveraging this fund, individuals can invest in cutting-edge technologies, research and development, and growth initiatives to enjoy a competitive edge in emerging sectors.
3. “Lakhpati Didi’ scheme
The Finance Minister also announced the expansion of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative to reach three crore beneficiaries. This highlights a significant push towards fostering women’s empowerment and self-reliance in rural areas.
For individuals and businesses involved in micro-financing, this initiative presents an excellent opportunity. The boost in economic activity and empowerment among rural women is likely to increase the demand for credit, particularly from women and self-help groups. This could create new opportunities for micro-financiers to expand their services and cater to a growing market.
4. Increased capital expenditure by 11%
The capital expenditure for the financial year 2024-25 has been increased by 11% to ₹11.11 lakh crore, which is 3.4 per cent of GDP. This, along with the continuation of the fifty-year interest-free loan scheme for states, amounting to Rs.1.3 lakh crore, shows a strong focus on infrastructure and development projects.
Better infrastructure can lead to improved business operations, access to new markets, and potentially lower costs. For investors, sectors like construction, real estate, and manufacturing could become attractive investment avenues.
5. Housing scheme for middle-class citizens
In the budget speech, the Finance Minister also revealed the government’s plan to launch a housing scheme for people living in rented homes, slums, or unauthorized colonies to purchase or construct their own homes.
By aligning with the broader ‘Housing for All’ mission, this initiative ensures that the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Rural schemes are more widely accessible.
6. Allocation for specific ministries
The following budget allocations have been proposed for different ministries:
-Ministry of Defence: Rs. 6.2 lakh crore
-Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: Rs. 2.78 lakh crore
-Ministry of Railways: Rs. 2.55 lakh crore
-Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution: Rs. 2.13 lakh crore
-Ministry of Home Affairs: Rs. 2.03 lakh crore
-Ministry of Rural Development: Rs. 1.77 lakh crore
-Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers: Rs. 1.68 lakh crore
-Ministry of Communications: Rs. 1.37 lakh crore
-Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare: Rs. 1.27 lakh crore
The end note
The latest budget presents a host of opportunities for strategic financial planning in 2024. By keeping up with these changes, you can optimise your financial health and growth prospects. If you’re looking to further refine your financial strategies and explore tailored financial solutions, Tata Capital is your trusted partner. Visit our website to learn more.
For all your financial requirements visit your nearest Tata Capital branch or check the website – www.tatacapital.com
05 February 2024
4 mins read
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