HomePersonal FinanceUnion Budget 2016-17 – Key Highlights

Union Budget 2016-17 – Key Highlights

budget 2016

Union Budget 2016-17 was announced by finance minister Arun Jaitley today. This is third budget of BJP government under leadership of PM Narendra Modi. It was challenging for finance minister to make budget for 2016-17, however he has tried his level best in making budget 2016-17. Overall Union Budget seems to be OK. Lot of new announcements were made by finance minister in budget 2016-17. Let’s take a look Key Highlights of Union Budget 2016-17.

Key Highlights -Union Budget 2016-17

Personal Finance

  • No change in Tax Slabs. However relief to small tax payer with income up to 5 lakh in form of rebate u/s 87A. Limit enhanced to Rs.5,000.
  • Deduction u/s 80GG for rent paid is increased to Rs 60,000 per annum from Rs 24,000.
  • Withdrawal up to 40% from NPS Tax free. Similar exemption for EPF and Superannuation Funds.
  • The Government will pay EPF contribution of 8.33% for all new employee for first three years.
  • First time home buyers to get additional deduction of Rs 50,000 on interest for loan up to Rs 35 lakh
  • Service tax exempted for housing construction of houses less than 60 sq. m

Health

  • New Health Insurance scheme for lower class up to 1 Lac. Cost of medicine will be borne by government.
  • Senior citizens will get additional healthcare cover of Rs 30,000 under the new scheme
  • PM Jan Aushadhi Yojana to be reinforced by opening new 3000 medical stores.
  • Basic dialysis equipment will get cost benefit.

Education

  • Selected Education Institute to be made world-class.
  • Digitalization of all school leaving certificate.
  • Training about Entrepreneurship to be provided across school, colleges.
  • Providing skill to 1 Cr youth in next 3 years under PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

Business and Startup

  • 100% deduction will be available on Income from startups for 3 years.
  • Capital Gains will not be taxable for investment in startup.
  • Company Act Amendment to improve enabling environment for startup.
  • Small shops will be given choice to open on all 7 days.
  • Hub to support SC/ST entrepreneurs. 

Also Read – Income Tax  Calculator Download FY 2018-19

Agriculture

  • Promise to double the income of farmer in next five years.
  • Insurance scheme for former to insure agriculture crop. Low premium and high compensation in case of crop loss under new PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
  • Dedicated irrigation fund in NABARD of Rs.20.000 cr
  • Allocation of fund for organic farming. 

Banking 

  • MUDRA loan disbursement target increased to 1,80,000 crore
  • Recapitalization of public sector banks will be done.
  • Government will increase ATM and Micro ATM for Post office.
  • General Insurance companies will be listed in the stock exchange. 

Other 

  • LPG connections to be provided under the name of women members of family
  • SUVs, Luxury cars to be more expensive. 4% high capacity tax for SUVs.
  • Excise duty raised from 10 to 15 per cent on tobacco products other than beedis.
  • Infrastructure and agriculture cess to be levied
  • Excise 1 per cent imposed on articles of jewellery, excluding silver.
  • Additional 0.5% Krishi Kalyan Cess to be levied on all services.
  • Additional Pollution cess of 1 % on small petrol, LPG and CNG cars
  • 5 % cess on diesel cars of certain specifications; 4 per cent on higher-end models.
  • For NRI new document will be introduced apart from PAN card.
  • Use of E-Assessment for all assessees in 7 mega cities.

Certain announcements made by finance minister were very good like introduction of health protection scheme, allowing shops to be open for 7 days, EPF contribution for new employee etc. However steps like introduction of additional cess and taxes will increase inflation level. Over all Union Budget 2016-17 was another average budget presented by finance minister.

What is your take on Union Budget 2016-17?  Do voice your opinion in comment section.

Shitanshu Kapadia
Shitanshu Kapadia
Hi, I am Shitanshu founder of moneyexcel.com. I am engaged in blogging & Digital Marketing for 10 years. The purpose of this blog is to share my experience, knowledge and help people in managing money. Please note that the views expressed on this Blog are clarifications meant for reference and guidance of the readers to explore further on the topics. These should not be construed as investment , tax, financial advice or legal opinion. Please consult a qualified financial planner and do your own due diligence before making any investment decision.