Budget 2012: What is in it for YOU?

Should you be popping the champagne or start getting worried? Salil Dhawan decodes the budget and tells what it has in store for people like us.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee played it safe in unveiling the federal budget on Friday, pledging reforms but setting only modest targets for trimming a ballooning fiscal deficit, disappointing investors.

Many had expected a reform rich budget this year, as the next year budget has all probability of being a populist one in light of the coming elections. But Pranab has played different cards this time. The first look on Indian Budget gives the impression of a smart attempt. Not pompous with too many populist measures, but the budget also visibly lacks any bold measures/ reforms.

This budget stands out not because of the reforms/steps taken; but for the un-necessary populist steps not taken – which drains out the money on un-productive initiatives.

Let's look at key budget highlights and targets which government has set for itself as we get ready to enter a new financial year.

Courtesy: Investment-mantra.in

Income tax exemption limit for individuals is raised to Rs 2 lakh per annum from Rs 1.80 lakh. Individual will have to pay 10 per cent tax on income between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh; 20 per cent between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh; and 30 per cent for above Rs 10 lakh. "My proposals on direct taxes are estimated to result in a net revenue loss of Rs 4,500 crore for the year," Mukherjee said.

Fiscal consolidation is the term that is used to describe the creation of strategies that are aimed at minimizing deficits while also curtailing the accumulation of more debt.

The fiscal deficit in the current year has turned out to be as high as 5.9%. The finance minister assured that he will bring it down to 5.1% of GDP.

There will rise in customs, excise duty and widening of service tax. In the Union Budget, both excise duty and service tax have been raised from 10 to 12 per cent.

Endeavor to keep central subsidies under 2 per cent of GDP in 2012-13. Over next 3 year, to be further brought down to 1.75 per cent of GDP.

For 2012-13, Rs 30,000 crore to be raised through disinvestment. At least 51 per cent ownership and management control to remain with Government.

Efforts to arrive at a broadbased consensus in consultation with the State Governments in respect of decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail upto 51 per cent.

Rajiv Gandhi Equity Saving Scheme to allow for income tax deduction of 50 per cent to new retail investors, who invest up to Rs 50,000 directly in equities and whose annual income is below Rs 10 lakh to be introduced. The scheme will have a lock-in period of 3 years.

To protect the financial health of Public Sector Banks and Financial Institutions, Rs 15,888 crore proposed to be provided for capitalisation. Possibility of creating a financial holding company to raise resources to meet the capital requirments of PSU Banks under examination.

During Twelfth Plan period, investment in infrastructure to go up to Rs 50 lakh crore with half of this, expected from private sector.

First Infrastructure Debt Fund with an initial size of Rs 8,000 crore launched earlier this month.

Tax free bonds of Rs 60,000 crore to be allowed for financing infrastructure projects in 2012-13.

National Manufacturing Policy announced with the objective of raising, within a decade, the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25 per cent and creating of 10 crore jobs. (Details not mentioned in the budget)

Target of covering a length of 8,800 kilometer under NHDP next year.

Rs 5,000 crore India Opportunities Venture Fund to be set up with SIDBI.

Initiative of Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) has resulted in increased production and productivity of paddy. Allocation for the scheme increased to Rs 1,000 crore in 2012-13 from Rs 400 crore in 2011-12.
Target for agricultural credit raised by Rs 1,00,000 crore to Rs 5,75,000 crore in 2012-13.

Allocation for Scheduled Castes Sub Plan at Rs 37,113 crore in BE 2012-13 represents an increase of 18 per cent over BE 2011-12. Allocation for Tribal Sub Plan at Rs 21,710 crore in BE 2012-13 represents an increase of 17.6 per cent.

Allocation of Rs 15,850 crore made for Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) scheme, representing an increase of 58 per cent over BE 2011-12.

Rs 11,937 crore allocated for National Programme of Mid Day Meals in schools.

An allocation of Rs 750 crore proposed for Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls, SABLA.

Budgetary allocation for rural drinking water and sanitation increased from Rs 11,000 crore to Rs 14,000 crore representing an increase of over 27 per cent.

Allocation for PMGSY increased by 20 per cent to Rs 24,000 crore to improve connectivity. Allocation of Rs 3915 crore made for National Rural Livelihood Mission representing an increase of 34 per cent.

Budget reflects the tight-rope Finance Minister has to walk due to economic and political realities. The fiscal policy has to help RBI contain inflation and bring public finances back onto a sustainable path to allow the government to regain fiscal credibility after this year's significant slippage.

While the FM announced various fiscal reforms, the timing of the implementation of key reform measures such as GST, DTC, and targeted direct subsidy remains uncertain. 5.1-per cent fiscal deficit target is an uphill task and is devoid of clear roadmap. On a whole, a challenging year for India and its people.