Greater ease of living likely to be centrepiece of next Union Budget

NEW DELHI: Ease of living will be a key theme of the forthcoming budget that may provide incentives to states for undertaking citizen-centric reforms, and further reduce compliance burdens for businesses, particularly in tax administration, in lines with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive at the recent chief ministers’ conclave in Varanasi.

Although over 25,000 compliances have been reduced by the Centre so far to promote ease of living, Modi wants more from central ministries and wants to prod states to follow suit. The budget, scheduled to be presented on February 1, is being prepared keeping this aspect in the mind, three people aware of the development said on condition of anonymity.

“Ease of compliance is just one part of what the Prime Minister means about ease of living. He wants a better life for citizens through better physical and social infrastructure such as efficient roads, power and digital connectivity, zero budget natural farming, and clean water, air and habitation,” one of them said. “The budget may give emphasis to all these factors.”

Modi has urged states, particularly those governed by the BJP, to work on the principle of minimum government, maximum governance.