Congress leader P Chidambaram | Photo: Vinod Kumar T (EPS)
New Delhi: P. Chidambaram, a prominent Congress politician and former finance minister, commended Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday for releasing several policies that are similar to what the Congress had pledged in its manifesto for the general elections of 2024.
Taking to X, Congress leader wrote, "I am glad to know that the Hon'ble FM has read the Congress Manifesto LS 2024 after the election results I am happy she has virtually adopted the Employment-linked incentive (ELI) outlined on page 30 of the Congress Manifesto.”
"I am also happy that she has introduced the Apprenticeship scheme along with an allowance to every apprentice spelt out on page 11 of the Congress Manifesto."
Taking a jibe at FM Sitharaman, he said, "I wish the FM had copied some other ideas in the Congress Manifesto. I shall shortly list the missed opportunities.”
He expressed his happiness with the Centre's decision to do away with the Angel Tax in another post. He pointed out that Congress has long advocated for its repeal, most recently on page 31 of the Congress Manifesto, Free Press Journal reported.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced: "The monetary limit for filing tax appeals is increased to Rs 60 lakh for ITAT, Rs 2 crore for High Courts, and Rs 5 crore for the Supreme Court. I propose to abolish the Angel Tax for all types of investors. Additionally, the corporate tax rate for foreign companies will be reduced from 40% to 35%.”
FM Sitharaman declared that businesses hiring first-timers would receive a month's salary support. Direct Benefit Transfer of up to ₹15,000 for eligible employees, with a limit of ₹1 lakh per month.