The Day After: Bhopal Responds to Budget 2025
Mixed reactions greet annual financial plan in the state capital
Ankush Singh
Budget 2025 exempts salaried individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually from income tax, offering relief to middle-class taxpayers. However, reactions vary across income groups.
Corporate employee Hemant Saxena welcomed the decision, calling it a relief for salaried professionals. “This change increases disposable income, allowing people to invest and save more,” he said.
A computer operator, Sandeep Solanki, at a private institute expressed skepticism. “The tax exemption benefits upper-middle-class earners, but the lower middle class gains little,” he noted. He believes the real impact will become evident in the first quarter of the year.
Graphic designer Akash Sharma raised concerns about rising essential goods prices. “Inflation keeps increasing, but salaries remain stagnant,” Sharma said. “The government must also focus on raising minimum wages to help workers cope with higher living expenses.”
Production manager Bappa Haldar supported the tax relief, emphasizing its potential to boost the economy. “With more disposable income, people will spend more, benefiting businesses,” he said.
Not everyone approved of the announcement. Sanitation worker Naresh Vishwakarma argued that tax relief does not help those with low or irregular incomes. “Many people don’t earn 10-12 lakh rupees a year,” he pointed out. “For them, job security and steady income matter more than tax exemptions.”
Some business owners believe the budget should have addressed transportation costs. Trader Mohsin Sheikh argued that reducing petrol and diesel prices would have lowered logistics costs, making raw materials more affordable. “Businesses struggle with high costs. Lower fuel prices would have provided greater relief than tax cuts,” he said.
Fashion designer Vandana Choubey said there was nothing special about the budget. “My salary is 25,000 rupees, but it still falls short for expenses. Inflation is very high. Even after doing a job, I often have to ask my father for money.”
ITI student Mayank Shakya highlighted the challenges interns face. “The budget mentions stipends for apprentices, but only a few big firms offer them,” he said. “Receiving 5,000-8,000 rupees per month is insufficient when even basic rent costs more.”
