New
Published on:
February 7, 2024
By
Viraaj Vashishth

Interim Budget 2024: Winners and Losers in a Moderate Economy

India's 2024 budget aimed for balanced growth despite looming inflation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted steady expansion and cost of living increases. This nuanced situation necessitated care in policymaking to maintain momentum yet curb mounting price pressures. The modified levies, tariffs, and outlays will impact how affordable diverse goods and services become, with some industries perhaps benefiting while others feel the pinch more acutely. Complex economic dynamics demanded agility in planning to preserve prosperity without undue strain on household budgets as the costs of necessities potentially climbed. 

Winners: More Affordable Tech, Lower Taxes

1. Tech enthusiasts delight! Decreased import tariffs on cellular contraptions could cause prices on communication devices to drop 3-5%, notably in low-cost and entry-level classifications.

2. Relief for white-collar wage earners: Augmented basic deductions and reconfigured assessment brackets may yield financial benefits for some income taxpayers.

3. Uplift for internal industry: Diminished import obligations aim to encourage indigenous mobile phone portion fabrication, generating occupations and fueling the financial system. 

Potential Losers: Rising Fuel Costs, Higher Indirect Taxes

1. The impending budget brings about impending transportation tribulations. Tax raises on gasoline and diesel might raise motoring and transport expenses, causing commuters considerable crimp.

2. Fundamental necessities face potential value variations. Heightened obligations on indispensable unrefined substances could result in cost inflations for ubiquitous commodities like cleansing cakes and stain removers. People may need to deeper delve to afford equivalent goods.

3. Extravagant enjoyments endure intensified imposts. Lofty duties on smoke, metal, and lavish vehicles aspire to counter consumption and fill coffers. However, such levies additionally act as a burden for those benevolent in opulent items. Some see the importance of temperate luxuriating over prohibition, contending that additional income generation justifies relaxed limitations.

Analyzing the Impact: Beyond Price Tags

1. Affordability and Digital Inclusion: Lower phone prices could bridge the digital divide, facilitating access to information, education, and financial services.

2. Inflationary Concerns: Balancing growth with managing inflation remains crucial. Price increases in essential items could affect low-income groups disproportionately.

3. Sustainable Growth: Encouraging domestic manufacturing holds long-term benefits for job creation and economic self-reliance.

Looking Ahead

1. Global factors: International oil prices and supply chain disruptions can influence domestic fuel costs and inflation.

2. Implementation effectiveness: The actual impact of budget measures will depend on how effectively they are implemented.

3. Future policy decisions: Further government actions and economic trends will shape the overall impact on citizens' wallets.

Conclusion: Navigating a Balanced Budget

India's 2024 Budget attempts to navigate a complex economic landscape, balancing growth aspirations with inflation concerns. While some, like tech enthusiasts and specific tax brackets, might see immediate benefits, others face potential cost increases on essentials and fuel.

However, the true impact extends beyond individual wallets. Lower phone prices could bridge the digital divide, and domestic manufacturing initiatives hold long-term potential. Conversely, inflationary pressures and global uncertainties pose challenges that require continued monitoring and proactive measures.

Suggestions

GST Collections soar 10% in January: Key Takeaways for Businesses in Budget 2024 

India's Subsidy Landscape: A Dip in Spending for FY24 and FY25 

GST Registration: Explain Section 22 of the 2017 Act

Updated on:
March 16, 2024