Special 
The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, introduces significant measures to support the middle class. A major highlight is the exemption of income tax for individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually, aimed at increasing disposable income. The Budget also brings relief with revised slabs to ease the financial burden on middle-income groups. Additionally, the standard deduction for salaried employees has been increased. Beyond taxation, the Budget focuses on strengthening healthcare, education, and urban development. Investments in healthcare include new medical seats and cancer care centers, ensuring better access to quality medical services. The education sector benefits from increased funding, with plans to expand facilities and offer tax relief on education loans, making higher education more affordable. Simplified tax compliance measures also aim to ease financial management for taxpayers. On infrastructure, Sitharaman emphasized that capital expenditure remains a priority, despite muted increases in allocations. The Ministry of Railways received ₹2,55,445 crore for FY26, a marginal rise from FY25, while the roads and highways sector saw only a 3% increase. The government is shifting focus towards public-private partnerships (PPPs) and asset monetization to drive infrastructure growth efficiently. Watch Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte South Asia, in conversation with Siddharth Zarabi, Editor of Business Today.
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