Singapore to Pay Upto Rs 14 Thousand to its Citizens as Bonus Following a Surplus Budget
Singapore Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat made the announcement during their budget speech in Parliament.
In one of the most amazing things that happened today, Singapore government has declared a surplus budget and is dividing it among its people. Singapore citizens above the age of 21 will receive a bonus of Rs 14,702 and you read it right! Each of their citizens is eligible for Rs 14,000! Singapore Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat made the announcement during their budget speech in Parliament, describing the bonus as "hongbao". In his speech on Monday, he said that it "reflects the Government's long-standing commitment to sharing the fruits of Singapore's development with Singaporeans".
While Rs 14,000 is the estimated amount, the amount will be paid according to the people's assessable income. At the end of 2018, about 2.7 million people will get the payouts. Those with an annual income of S$28,000 or below will eligible for a payout of S$300, while whose income ranges from S$28,001 to S$100,000 will receive S$200. And those whose incomes excessed S$100,000 will receive S$100.
The surplus budget will provide them 20 percent co-funding for 2018, 15 percent for 2019, and 10 percent for 2020. They also aim to encourage employers to share productivity gains with staffs. With major contributions from statutory boards and higher stamp duty, Singapore's revised budget for 2017 showed a surplus of S$9.61 billion. The 'SG Bonus' will cost the government S$700 million.
Channel News Asia quoted Keat as saying, "(This) reflects the government's long-standing commitment to sharing of the fruits of Singapore’s development with Singaporeans." The government has plans to use the surplus amount in different ways. Heng said S$5 billion will be set aside for the Rail Infrastructure Fund for new railway lines. An amount of S$2 billion will be set for an insurance scheme, Eldershield, to help senior citizens with severe disabilities to help them cope financial demands in their daily life.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 20, 2018 04:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).