Question : TAX CONCESSIONS DURING THE TENTH PLAN

(a) the tax concessions given during the Tenth Plan period;

(b) whether these were meant for the rich people; and

(c) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM)

(a) to (c): Every year, in the Budget, there are large number of tariffs which are increased or decreased. All such decreases can be treated as tax concessions. There are also any number of amendments brought in to simplify procedures, to encourage growth in selected sectors, to provide support to certain sections etc. All these can also be treated as tax concessions. Sometimes, changes are brought in during the year which also can be treated as concessions. These will cover income tax, central excise, customs, service tax etc. It will be difficult to enumerate all these concessions that have been given over a five year period. However, these concessions help to promote savings by individuals; exports; balanced regional development; creation of infrastructure facilities; employment; rural development and scientific research & development, etc. Decisions concerning tax concessions are taken by the Govemment keeping in view the public interest at large and it cannot be concluded that the incentives are designed to benefit only the rich.