Budget leaves pvt players in infra unhappy Even as the UPA government has attached a lot of importance to fill the gaps in infrastructure spending through public-private participation, the Budget for 2008-09 has left many private players in the sector disappointed.
Road map for fiscal adjustment revisited Within months after constitution of the 13th Finance Commission, finance minister P Chidambaram on Friday urged it to “revisit the roadmap for fiscal adjustment” after the 6th Pay Commission report was finalised.
Budget may unveil student loan authority The upcoming Budget is likely to announce the setting up of the National Student Loan Guarantee Authority. Under the proposed authority, the government would help students get educational loans and finance students rather than funding universities directly.
Use full Budget allocation: Antony to forces Inaugurating a three-day Financial Controllers' Conference here on Monday, defence minister AK Antony called upon defence officials to adopt a humane approach towards the requirements of ex-servicemen.
Separate exemption cap on long-term savings likely The government is considering a proposal to provide a separate exemption limit for long-term savings instruments, such as life insurance and pension schemes, over the existing deduction cap of Rs 1 lakh allowed under Section 80C of the Income-Tax Act.
Charitable trusts now under finmin scrutiny Port trusts, chambers of commerce, and educational trusts—which are not engaged in charitable work—could lose some of their tax benefits. The government is considering a proposal to redefine and narrow the concept of “charitable activity” to ensure that only deserving organisations that are actually carrying out humanitarian work are eligible for such benefits.
