Comments on budget (women and education)

Dr Vaishali Khaparde (Dean, Interdisciplinary faculty, Bamu): It's really heartening to see more women joining higher education, particularly in STEM. However, it's crucial to tackle the dropout rates among junior-to-middle-level female workers. As a university professor, I can't help but notice the incredible dedication and talent in our female students, and it genuinely inspires my optimism. To keep this positive trend going, universities can embrace inclusive practices and provide networking opportunities, giving women in all fields the support they need. These steps are key to guiding and championing our female students and fostering gender diversity and equality in academia and the workforce.

Box

When women do better, economies do better

Farihah Qaisari (student): “When women do better, economies do better," said Christine Lagarde. In the Indian Workforce, it is common knowledge that a 20 per cent pay gap exists between men and women. Usually, a woman earns less because most of them rather take responsibility for caring for children and elderly family members. The Caregivers' high cost is a significant reason for the lower participation of women in the Indian Workforce, which has increased up to 37 per cent by 2023. Globally, women make up more than half of the workforce. In the past decade, women's participation in the workforce has increased due to efforts to empower them through entrepreneurship and improve living standards, and dignity.

Box

More emphasis on addressing needs of marginalised

CS Komal Mutha (Chairperson, city chapter of ICSI): The union Budget for 2024 marks a significant departure from previous fiscal policies by placing a strong emphasis on addressing the needs of the most marginalized sections of society. With a keen focus on uplifting the poor, farmers, women, and youth, this budget signifies a shift towards inclusive growth and empowerment. The provision that 70 per cent of houses under the PM Awas Yojana must be solely or jointly owned by women is a significant stride towards women's empowerment and financial independence.

Box

Corporates & businessmen in focus in budget

Ghous M Quazi (Financial Expert): The Finance Minister's interim budget for 2024 emphasizes supporting corporates and individual businessmen. Notably, a key highlight is a considerable reduction in corporate tax rates, Domestic Companies benefit from a reduced tax rate of 22 per cent while introducing an even more favourable tax rate of 15 per cent for new manufacturing Companies. Professionals are set to benefit from an increase in the presumptive income limit. To boost innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, the budget includes a groundbreaking initiative of 50 years of Interest-free loans for Research and Innovations, offering significant support to the startup ecosystem. However, individual taxpayers will not get any benefit in the budget, as there are no changes in to the existing income tax slab rates.