“The FM enthused the salaried class by reintroducing standard deduction of up to Rs 40,000, but soon gave it away by withdrawing current exemptions on transport allowance (Rs 19,200 per annum) and medical reimbursement (Rs 15,000 per annum), leaving only a marginal benefit. Overall, together with the additional education cess of 1 per cent, there isn’t too much for the salaried class in this budget,”

Akhil Chandna
Director, Grant Thornton India LLP

This article appeared in Deccan Chronicle on 10th January, 2018.