Income Tax Budget: “The crucial question is, what if we don’t receive a salary?” Congress MP Shashi Tharoor voiced his concerns regarding the new income tax proposal introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget 2025 address on Saturday. FM Sitharaman revealed the removal of income tax for individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh under the revised tax framework.
Nevertheless, the Thiruvananthapuram MP promptly highlighted the issue of unemployment in the country, stating, “How will there be any income? For that, jobs are essential.”
“The Finance Minister did not mention unemployment,” the Congress MP remarked, adding, “If you are earning a salary, you might be subjected to lower taxes.”
“Honestly, the applause from BJP members was probably in response to the tax relief for the middle class. We will examine the details; it could be a positive step,” Tharoor commented.
Shashi Tharoor further pointed out the limited advantages outlined and sarcastically noted, “It’s ironic that the party advocating for one nation, one election is actually employing each election in every state every year to provide more handouts.”
“They might as well hold multiple elections to garner more praise from their supporters,” the Congress MP added.
What Did FM Sitharaman Propose for Bihar?
In her Budget discourse, she suggested forming a Board for makhana or foxnuts, a healthy food widely grown and consumed in Bihar.
“To enhance production, processing, value addition, and marketing of Makhana. Individuals involved in these sectors will be grouped into FPOs. The board will offer assistance and training to Makhana farmers while ensuring they benefit from all applicable government programs,” stated Nirmala Sitharaman.
She also announced the establishment of Greenfield airports in Bihar and plans to expand the capacity of Patna Airport along with a brownfield airport in Bihta.
While presenting the Union Budget, FM Sitharaman said, “Greenfield airports will be developed in Bihar to cater to the state’s future requirements. This will be alongside the planned expansion of Patna airport and a brownfield airport in Bihta.”
She additionally emphasized the Western Kosi Canal ERM project in Bihar’s Mithilanchal region.
“Financial aid will be allocated to the Western Kosi Canal ERM project, benefitting numerous farmers working across more than 50,000 hectares in the Mithilanchal region,” she stated.
The Finance Minister also announced the creation of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar, aimed at significantly boosting food processing endeavors across the entire Eastern region.
