Raise the tax ceiling now!

CHENNAI: On the eve of the much-awaited Union Budget 2012, the residents of Chennai have one thing in common that they hope for - a raise in the tax ceiling. Besides this, they also feel that focus on infrastructure and power production is needed. People from various walks of life spoke to City Express about their expectations of the budget:Col Anil Ram, Officer, Indian ArmyI hope that the limit of income tax is raised to at least Rs 3 lakh. There should also be no increase in the petrol and diesel prices as we are already paying more than 50% higher than even our neighbouring countries. This will help the middle classes greatlyBenasir Bobin Rajamony, Software EngineerIt should be a growth-friendly budget and should have measures to control over-inflation. Also, I believe that the government may not take too many rough decisions, given that the general elections are coming in a year. Being part of the salaried group, I am looking for tax sops on housing loansShrikrishna Tangatur, EntrepreneurThe focus should be on inflation and frequent power cuts, which are affecting every person in the country. As of now, there seem to be no uniform/transparent tax structure for individual entrepreneurs. Also, the Government should give more tax concessions for small/individual entrepreneursRajkumar Roberts, Lawyer, Madras High CourtIt would be good for the salaried class if the tax exemption limit is raised to at least Rs 3 lakh for the benefit of all. This will help them, as the cost of living has increased. Gayathri S, Bank EmployeeThe tax ceiling should be raised for the middle class, as it is difficult for us to cope up with the ever-increasing prices. More money should be spent on infrastructure in metros . The hike in public transport fares is contributing to the general crisis in this day and ageAugustine Chelliah, HR SpecialistFrom a HR point of view, it would be nice to have the tax ceiling raised to Rs 2.5 - Rs 3 lakh. Also, if the interest on housing loan is decreased, it would benefit more people. As of now, the Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) is exempted only for domestic travel. Swaminathan K, Founder-CEO, myBskool.comIf India has to become vibrant as the rest of the world expects it to be in the next decade, education has to reach the masses. At present, India needs 800 more universities and 35,000 colleges to fulfil its gross enrolment ratio(GER). The budget should lay far more stress on higher education  such that the private sector is encouraged and further incentivised to participate.Anilraju Dantham, AccountantThe budget should focus on helping the poor. Not necessarily by giving them unwarranted benefits, but by assisting them to set up their own businesses and providing for them in other ways.