The Union Budget 2025 has once again proven that the government’s priorities lie anywhere but with small businesses and daily wage workers. While big headlines celebrate income tax cuts for salaried individuals, the harsh reality is that millions of hardworking indians have been completely ignored. The refusal to rationalize GST rates and reduce fuel prices means that small enterprises continue to bleed financially, and daily wage earners are left struggling under rising costs.
High GST, High Fuel Prices – A Recipe for Economic Hardship
For small businesses, operational costs remain painfully high, thanks to:
- Unchanged GST rates, which continue to make essential raw materials expensive.
- Rising fuel prices, which drive up transportation and logistics costs.
- No targeted support, making it harder for local businesses to survive in an already competitive market.
And what about daily wage workers?
- No direct tax relief, since they fall outside the income tax bracket.
- Inflation continues to eat into their daily wages, as essential goods remain costly.
- Fewer job opportunities, since struggling businesses cannot afford to hire more workers.
A Budget That Only Helps the Few
Instead of addressing the real economic struggles of India’s workforce, the government chose to hand out tax benefits to the salaried middle class while turning a blind eye to those who keep the economy running. Small shop owners, street vendors, factory workers, and independent traders get nothing—except higher costs, increased competition, and more financial stress.
Missed Opportunities, Broken Promises
The government had the chance to:
* Reduce GST burdens on small businesses and essential goods.
* Cut fuel taxes to ease transportation costs.
* Introduce relief packages for micro and small enterprises.
Instead, it did none of the above, choosing to ignore those who needed help the most.
The Reality Check: Who Is This Budget Really For?
While a section of salaried employees enjoys tax cuts, millions of small entrepreneurs and daily wage earners see no benefit. If the government truly wants to support economic growth, it cannot afford to neglect those who form the backbone of the economy.
But for now, Budget 2025 sends a clear message: If you’re a small business or a daily wage worker, you’re on your own.
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