'What happens to unsalaried people?': Tharoor questions Union Budget 2025
What's the story
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has questioned the relevance of the new income tax proposal announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget 2025 speech. The finance minister declared that no income tax would be payable on incomes up to ₹12 lakh, a move hailed by many as a "Game-Changer for the Middle Class." However, Tharoor raised concerns about its applicability in light of high unemployment rates in India.
Unemployment concerns
Tharoor highlights unemployment issue in budget response
"The important question is, what happens if we don't have a salary?" Tharoor remarked. He further questioned, "Where is the income going to come from? For you to benefit from income tax relief, you actually need jobs." The Congress MP also pointed out that unemployment was not addressed in Sitharaman's speech. "If you have a salary, you may be paying less tax," he added.
Bihar initiatives
Tharoor questions timing of Bihar benefits in budget
In her budget speech, Sitharaman also announced a number of initiatives for Bihar. These include the establishment of a Makhana Board to enhance the production and marketing of foxnuts, plans for Greenfield airports, the expansion of existing airports, financial support for the Western Kosi Canal ERM project, and the creation of a National Institute of Food Technology. The government will also create additional infrastructure in five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and expand IIT Patna.