Sat Feb 01 10:21:34 UTC 2025: ## Union Budget 2025: Tax Cuts for Middle Class, But Opposition Calls it a “Band-Aid”

**New Delhi** – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled Union Budget 2025 on Saturday, a budget she described as focused on inclusive growth and next-generation reforms. A key highlight is the significant tax relief for the middle class, with no income tax levied on individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh annually. This measure, alongside revised tax slabs, aims to boost disposable income and consumption. Other key initiatives include increased credit limits for farmers, investments in infrastructure, particularly in Bihar, and a major push for nuclear energy development.

The budget, however, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed it as a “band-aid for bullet wounds,” accusing the government of lacking the vision for a long-term economic revival. He argued that the budget fails to address underlying economic challenges and offers only superficial solutions. Opposition MPs from various parties echoed these sentiments, claiming the budget offers little to the common people and is primarily aimed at upcoming elections in Bihar. Specific concerns were raised about the lack of attention to issues like job creation and inflation.

Despite the criticism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the budget, highlighting its citizen-centric approach and transformative potential. He lauded the historic reforms encouraging private sector participation in nuclear energy, a move aimed at achieving 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047. The Prime Minister also emphasized the budget’s positive impact on savings, investment, and consumption.

The budget also includes significant allocations for agriculture, with initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana targeting low-productivity districts and increased credit limits under the Kisan Credit Card scheme. Furthermore, the budget includes measures to support the gig economy, women entrepreneurs, and the development of Bihar through various infrastructure projects.

While the government hails the budget as a milestone for India’s development, the opposition’s criticism underlines the continuing debate over its effectiveness in tackling India’s complex economic challenges. The coming weeks will see further political debate and analysis of the budget’s long-term impact.

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