Interim Budget 2019: Middle Class Likely to be Wooed by Narendra Modi Govt; Higher 80C, Housing Loan Exemption Limit on Cards

New Delhi, January 8: The Interim Budget 2019, which is the final fiscal policy to be rolled out by the incumbent Narendra Modi-led government, is reportedly aimed at wooing the middle class. Among announcements on the cards include an increase in tax savings limit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, along with a hike in housing loan exemption limit.

According to ET Now, the government is considering tax-saving bonanzas for the salaried class in a bid to improve its image among the middle class. The speculation of tax concessions turned rife after the Prime Minister told news agency ANI last week that his government will take steps to improve its perception among the middle class. RBI to Decide on Interim Dividend to Be Paid to Government, Says Governor Shaktikanta Das.

"The middle class is the only section in the society that bothers about the poorest section and wants maximum benefits to be given to such people. So as a country, it is our not only our responsibility but it is the national duty to uplift the middle class,: Modi had said.

A government source quoted by Times Now echoed PM Modi's view on the middle class, claiming that the Finance Ministry will try all within its limit to ease the burden of the middle class. Calling them "the most honest taxpayers of the nation", the top source said the government aims to reward them.

A day earlier, the Centre announced a major bonanza to the middle class, by making a large section of them eligible for 10 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. The quota is based on economic criteria, including households who earn less than Rs 8 lakh per year, across all religious communities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2019 04:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).