Budget: Hard choices for the government | Photo Credit: iStockphoto India today stands at a crossroads. The Finance Minister has declared that reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio will be a central policy priority. The intent is sound. According to the International Monetary Fund, India’s general government debt — the combined borrowing of the Centre and States […]
With the Budget for 2026-27 approaching, farmers across the country are mobilising, underscoring that many agrarian problems remain unsolved. The years of neglect have forced farmers to take to the streets. Their protests point to deeper issues in the sector, especially low income, climate challenges, and the ongoing lack of investment in agricultural research and […]
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has proposed introducing a joint taxation system for spouses, under which married couples could file a single income tax return by combining their incomes and applying revised tax slabs. Under such a regime, rental income from property would be taxed at the household level rather than being […]
The upcoming Union Budget is expected to maintain continuity in the government’s capital expenditure (capex) push, even as policymakers operate within a constrained fiscal and policy environment, according to a budget preview report by HSBC Mutual Fund. A capex expenditure worth ₹11.21 lakh crore (or 3.1 per cent of GDP) was earmarked in 2025-26, rising […]
Stock market is gearing up for an eventful week ahead where key triggers such as quarterly earnings from corporates, the US Fed interest rate decision and the upcoming Union Budget for 2026-27 would grab the limelight, analysts said. Equity markets would be closed on Monday for Republic Day. Moreover, trading activity of foreign investors, rupee-dollar […]
Ahead of Budget 2026, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) has urged the government to launch a national rental housing mission, proposing tax incentives for both developers and tenants. In its Budget wishlist, the association has also reiterated its demand to revise the area norms and the ₹45 lakh price cap […]
Ahead of Budget 2026, real estate industry body NAREDCO on January 22 urged the government to revise the definition of affordable housing, recommending that homes priced up to ₹75–80 lakh be classified as affordable, instead of the current ₹45 lakh cap. The association also called on the government to promote rental housing by offering appropriate […]
For Budget 2026, homebuyers have proposed that the government clearly define ‘affordable’ and ‘mid-segment’ housing, including caps on permissible rates per square foot of carpet area and minimum mandatory facilities and amenities. Their wishlist also includes stricter accountability for developers, with financial penalties for project delays or failure to honour booking-stage commitments, mirroring the loss […]
Real estate experts have suggested that Budget 2026 introduce a housing credit passport, a consent-based digital snapshot of a home loan borrower’s financial profile. They say it could significantly cut loan approval timelines and improve ease of doing business in the housing sector Real estate experts have suggested that Budget 2026 introduce a housing credit […]
With flexible office demand reaching a new post-pandemic peak, the co-working sector is seeking targeted policy support in the Union Budget 2026. Industry leaders are calling for a clear and consistent policy framework, sustained infrastructure investment, and formal recognition of flexible workspaces as a distinct asset class. They also emphasise the need for easier access […]