It146;s please-all Budget from DMK this time

The populist Budget gives full tax exemptions to more than 60 commonly used items used by housewives, farmers and students, also slashing VAT on kerosene, gas stoves, chemical fertilisers, crop seeds, pencils, ball pens, ink, pillow covers, bed sheets and towels, note books, geometry boxes and refined oil. A hefty reduction in VAT from 12.5 per cent to four per cent was also announced on unbranded coffee powder, masala powders, unbranded ghee, plastic goods, audio cassettes, school bags and used cars.

Besides waiving all co-operative farm loans worth Rs 7,000 crore, K Anbazhagan announced reduction of interest rate on cooperative crop loans from 7 to 5 per cent, besides offering financial assistance to 10 lakh farmers for taking crop insurance. His government has also allotted Rs 152 crore for 1.15 crore families who have been provided with identity cards under the social security and welfare scheme. The DMK government had something in the Budget to please the government 8216;Babus8217; as well, doubling their festival advance and restoring their earlier leave travel concession.