Theni
Traders and economists from Theni and Dindigul districts said that the exemption of tax on annual income below ₹5,00,000 is a welcome move.
“Similarly, the government should ease the tax burden on small traders. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises should be given more incentives in terms of tax exemptions. Likewise, we expected there would be some welcome changes in GST. However, except for some minimal changes, GST has remained the same in the current budget. At least, the system should be simplified for the benefit of small traders,” said P. Selvakumar, Traders Association President, Theni district.
“The government has increased the tax on fuel, which will increase transportation cost of goods. There should be some reduction in road tolls at least to reduce transportation expenses,” he added.
Babitha Basheer, Professor of Economics, GTN College of Arts and Science, Dindigul, welcomed the push for infrastructure development in the union budget 2019-2020.
“Railways, roads and metrorail connectivity have been given a push. The importance of roads in rural areas under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana will benefits interior districts like Theni and Dindigul. Moreover, metro rail connectivity has been announced for 300 km, covering many other cities in the country. Around ₹50 lakh crores has been earmarked for Railways. All this will ensure that the country’s infrastructure is futuristic,” said Babitha.
She added that the increase of five % of duty tax on imported products will, in turn, improve the production of goods in India.
“The manufacturing sector will get a boost from this move, paving way for youth getting jobs. Likewise, the Government has announced duty-free trade for export of tanned leather, which will benefit the leather industry in Dindigul,” she added.
