THIS YEAR IS the year of the National Election and there will be a new government. Even if the political composition of that government is the same as the present one, technically, it will be a new government. India is on a trajectory for Amrit Kaal, with an aspirational target of becoming a developed economy (interpreted as high income) in 2047. The year 2024 is roughly midway and is time to take stock and review. Also, the target of a $5-trillion economy will be reached midway—or a few months earlier—into the term of the 2024-29 government. Not to forget Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a terminal goal of 2030; most countries have deviated from this, India less so. Several people will suggest comprehensive reform agendas for the new government. But whatever the case may be, the new government needs to look at the following agendas.
First, there are direct taxes. The ultimate goal of direct tax reform is a simplified system, with removal of exemptions, so that compliance costs and litigation are reduced. For both personal income taxation and corporate taxes, there are two channels, one with fewer exemptions and lower rates. But for both channels, personal and corporate, the fewer-exemption route is not yet attractive enough and needs to be incentivised more. Stated more strongly, one needs a direct tax code with zero exemptions, in the process, unifying personal income rates (which unincorporated enterprises also pay) and corporate taxation. This cannot be accomplished overnight, but the Budget for 202425 can set the tone and timeline.
WITH INDIA BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE UN STATISTICAL COMMISSION IN JANUARY 2024, IT IS TIME TO REVIVE ITS ONCE-RESPECTED STATISTICS SYSTEM
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
"Moving to cloud helped us grow❞
What was the problem you were grappling with?
She's Got Time
MORE WOMEN ARE BECOMING WATCH CONNOISSEURS, SEEKING OUT BOTH JEWELLED AND TECHNICAL WATCHES FOR THEIR STYLE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
RISING STAR
PARUL GULATI IS a name that's been steadily gaining prominence in the Indian entertainment industry after she appeared on season 2 of Shark Tank in 2023. She has become a multifaceted personality who effortlessly transitions between acting and entrepreneurship.
Building on a Legacy
WHEN ZAHABIYA KHORAKIWALA stepped into her role as Managing Director of Wockhardt Hospitals over a decade ago, she confronted formidable challenges that have since turned into achievements.
LEADER IN INNOVATION
AS FEDEX'S PRESIDENT (Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Africa), Kami Viswanathan has a lot on her plate.
WAITING IN THE WINGS
Here are those who missed out as they have not yet completed a year in office; they'll be strong contenders in 2025
A DECENT PROPOSAL
IN TODAY'S WORLD OF TRYING TO CREATE AN EQUITABLE SPACE, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR HOUSEHOLDS. WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THEIR OWN SAVINGS POOL AND INVESTMENT ROUTINE. GIVEN THIS, HOW SHOULD FUTURE BRIDES APPROACH FINANCIAL PLANNING?
Women and the STEM Bias
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN STEM WILL NOT ONLY BENEFIT INDIVIDUALS, BUT ALSO STRENGTHEN THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY, DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS.
ROCKET WOMEN
WOMEN IN INDIA ARE NOT ONLY VENTURING INTO SPACE BUT ARE ALSO STARTING TO SPEARHEAD THE COUNTRY'S EFFORTS IN THE GLOBAL SPACE RACE.
ONE STEP FORWARD
THE NUMBER OF WOMEN INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS IS GROWING STEADILY, BUT IT'S A LONG WAY FROM GENDER PARITY. MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO BREAK THE GLASS CEILING IN BOARDROOMS.