progressive alliance

The government is exploring an increase in the income-tax exemption limit for individuals to compensate for the high recent inflation, but revenue considerations and the fact that the limit was hiked sharply in 2008-09 could force it to maintain status quo or give just a token hike. The proposal has figured in the preliminary discussions , as the policymakers debate ways to give some relief to households from high inflation. Full Article

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has asked the government to defer the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) from April 1, 2010 by an year to allow for a smoother transition to the new indirect tax framework. Full Article

The Union government is contemplating a bunch of amendments to its flagship Right to Information (RTI) Act to stop ‘mischievous and frivolous’ queries through the right that is aimed at bringing more transparency in government services.The proposed set of amendments would also try to bring a part of the security establishment under the public scrutiny. Full Article

The finance ministry on Thursday indicated to an industry delegation that it should not expect a further lowering of corporate, excise and service taxes in the Budget to be presented by the next finance minister. ”Revenue secretary Mr P V Bhide . . . indicated that no further relaxation in excise and service taxes could be [...] Full Article