What the lay citizen and the experts want the Budget to deliver on Feb 1

Top of the wish list is an increase in deduction under Sections 80C, 80CCC and 80 CCD(1) from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh

Even as India strives to recover from the Covid-19-induced economic crisis, all eyes are now on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman  and her Union Budget on February 1. Indians across social stature, age, gender and economic class will look to the government for incentives, subsidies and tax cuts. Says Smita Wilson, a Mumbai-based private sector employee: "Lower tax rates for all, an increase in exemption limit, or at least an increase in deduction under Section 80C should be considered. The FM should also bring back a separate tax slab for women."  

Up until Financial Year 2011-12, women and men had different