Page 4 - Union Budget 2016

EPF tax: It's a healthy proposal

The overall message to the middle class is: the days of freebies are over

We haven't heard the last word on GAAR yet: Jyotivardhan Jaipuria

Interview with Founder and MD, Veda Investment Managers

Loud protests force govt to consider EPF tax review

After day-long confusion, ministry says FM to take a look at it in due course

Will the stock markets' relief rally last?

Net-net, the long-term trend still seems to be down. But the Budget seems to have sparked a relief rally. The initial market response has been fairly positive

Social, human development get a boost

However, fiscal constraints have led to a scaling down of targets in health and education

12 stocks to watch out for

The Budget's proposals of hiking taxes for the rich and duties on certain products like automobiles and cigarettes may appear anti-rich. But, the emphasis and higher fund allocation to rural India and infrastructure could be game-changers. State allocation to social and infra schemes is also rising.All these should have a ripple-effect on consumption and industrial demand. Importantly, if the government is able to stick to fiscal deficit targets it will ease systemic liquidity and interest rates for corporates and consumers. The combined effect will lift economic growth and corporate earnings

Budget to boost infra, farm sectors

It also aims to create a simpler and friendlier tax regime

Crude cess to ease burden on upstream oil firms

The imposition of 20% Ad Valorem cess is expected to translate into net savings of Rs 2,158 crore for the state-run explorer ONGC

Budget 2016: Wind sector to take a hit as accelerated depreciation tax benefit capped at 40%

The sector had enjoyed accelerated depreciation of 80 per cent under the Income Tax Act

Emphasis is on PM's key initiatives

Customs and excise duty rates have been amended mainly to promote Make in India

Political expediency wins over cooperative federalism

Cess, surcharges come in handy

Demand in affordable housing space to go up

Over the last couple of years, the residential realty market has witnessed a slowdown which has led to a high inventory as well.

Comprehensive, yet focused: Keki Mistry

Undoubtedly, the finance minister's goal is to ensure that India remains a beacon of hope by being on a growth path that matches its potential

Fertile ground for farmers: Sumant Sinha

The power sector also has had its fair share of incentives, though not all are specifically spelt out in the Budget

Jewellery duty may dim start-ups' prospects

Voylla, a jewellery and fashion accessory start-up, said that this would strain their resources even further

Intent positive, delivery suspect: Ravi Uppal

Increased incomes and modernisation of practices in the farm and rural industrial sector will have a huge positive impact

Aadhaar legislation might be a Money Bill

The Bill will be introduced in the current Budget Session of the Parliament

BJP, ministers on overdrive to sell Budget theme

Modi himself urges all MPs from ruling coalition to go to their constituencies to publicise the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and other central programmes

Auto companies' hopes soar

The major automakers, including tractor and light trucks, see a boost from greater government spending in rural areas

Budget brings cheer to housing finance companies

With buyers in the affordable homes segment poised for higher tax relief, these lenders are set to benefit from higher loan growth