Summary:

The salaried class forms the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to the nation's growth through consistent tax payments. However, they often do not receive enough tax benefits to match their rising cost of living and everyday expenses. This petition calls on the Government of India to introduce new tax deductions for the salaried class, which will provide much-needed financial relief and support a more balanced work-life environment.

Dear Honorable Finance Minister and Members of Parliament,

The salaried class of India is one of the most significant contributors to our economy, and yet, they are often left with fewer options for tax benefits compared to other groups. With the rising costs of education, transportation, household help, and daily commuting, it is becoming increasingly difficult for salaried individuals to manage their expenses. We urge the Government of India to introduce the following tax deductions for the salaried class:

Deduction for Car Loan Interest and Driver Salary: Business owners can claim car-related expenses as deductions; it's time salaried individuals are also allowed to claim deductions for car loan interest and the salary of their drivers. Not only will this benefit those who commute long distances or need to travel frequently for work, but it will also create employment opportunities. Thousands of salaried individuals would be encouraged to hire drivers if this deduction is provided, boosting employment in this sector.

Deduction for Maid or House Help Salary: In households where both partners are working, hiring house help or a maid has become a necessity rather than a luxury. Allowing deductions for the salary paid to house help will provide much-needed support to dual-income families. Moreover, this move would generate significant employment opportunities for domestic workers across the country, as more people will be incentivized to hire house help if a deduction is provided.

Deduction for Children's School and Transport Fees: The current deduction for children's school fees is only ₹12,000 per year for up to two children. This is like "ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा," especially when we consider the skyrocketing costs of education. In metros and even in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, school fees are at an all-time high. For example, my son is in Class 2, and we are paying ₹1,50,000 annually for his school fees and an additional ₹40,000 for transport. In such cases, a mere ₹12,000 deduction per year is woefully inadequate. A substantial increase in this deduction is necessary to reflect the current reality.

Deduction for Daily Commuting Costs: The current transport allowance for the salaried class is minimal and does not even cover public transport bus expenses. Forget about commuting by metro, bike, or car. With rising fuel costs, a person commuting by car is spending a minimum of ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 per month on fuel alone just for office travel. A more inclusive deduction for daily commuting expenses is crucial to cover these significant out-of-pocket costs.

Deduction for Family Holiday Expenses: Everyone deserves a break to recharge and spend quality time with their families. A deduction for at least one family holiday within India would not only promote work-life balance but also boost the domestic tourism sector.

By introducing these deductions, the Government of India can help improve the financial well-being of the salaried class, foster a more balanced lifestyle, and stimulate sectors like tourism, domestic work, and transportation.

We, the undersigned, request the Honorable Finance Minister and the Members of Parliament to consider these suggestions in the upcoming budget and implement reforms that truly recognize and support the hard work and dedication of the salaried class.

Sign this petition if you believe that the salaried class deserves fair tax deductions and that these reforms are necessary for a better, more equitable India!

Thank you for your support!

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