PM Modi was quick to agree to tax relief, bureaucrats took time: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was clear about the need for tax relief in the Union Budget and supported the income tax rebate, adding that it took time to convince the bureaucrats.
“The question should be how much it takes for me to convince the ministry and the boards. It is not so much about the PM. The PM was very clear that he wanted to do something. It was for the ministry to reach a comfort level and then proceed with the proposal,” she told news agency PTI.
When asked if bureaucrats were the one who needed convincing, Sitharaman said, “Yes, and they are right, because they have to be sure of revenue generation. That is their job…., but ultimately everybody came around.”
In an interview with news agency PTI, Sitharaman said the government had been working for some time to simplify direct taxes, focusing on reducing the compliance burden and addressing taxpayers’ concerns.
“Wherever I travelled, the common sentiment was, ‘We are proud and honest taxpayers. We want to continue serving the country by fulfilling our tax obligations. But would you consider what can be done for us?'” she said.
Sitharaman, while presenting the record eighth consecutive Budget on Saturday, announced tax relief measures for salaried individuals. Under the new tax regime, those earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually will not have to pay income tax.