Arvind Kejriwal Unveils 7-Point Agenda Addressing ‘Tax Terrorism’ Against Middle Class

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal has articulated a seven-point agenda aimed at alleviating the financial burdens faced by India’s middle class, which he describes as victims of “tax terrorism.”

Key Demands Presented by Kejriwal:

1. Increase in Education Budget: Proposing an elevation of the education budget from the current 2% to 10% of GDP, Kejriwal emphasizes the necessity of capping private school fees to make quality education more accessible.
2. Subsidies and Scholarships for Higher Education: To further support students, he advocates for the introduction of subsidies and scholarships, ensuring that higher education remains within reach for middle-class families.
3. Enhanced Healthcare Funding: Kejriwal calls for increasing the health budget to 10% of GDP and eliminating taxes on health insurance premiums, aiming to reduce the financial strain of medical expenses on households.
4. Raised Income Tax Exemption Limit: Suggesting an increase in the income tax exemption threshold from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh, he seeks to provide substantial relief to middle-class taxpayers.
5. Abolition of GST on Essential Commodities: Kejriwal urges the removal of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential items, contending that such taxes disproportionately impact middle-class households.
6. Robust Retirement and Pension Plans: He advocates for the development of comprehensive retirement plans and pension schemes, including free medical services for senior citizens in both government and private hospitals nationwide.
7. Reinstatement of Railway Concessions for Seniors: Kejriwal calls for the restoration of the 50% concession on railway fares for senior citizens, a benefit that was previously withdrawn.

Highlighting the pivotal role of the middle class in driving the Indian economy, Kejriwal laments their exploitation for tax revenues. He asserts that successive governments have neglected this segment, reducing them to mere “ATMs” for tax collection.

The announcement of this agenda comes shortly before the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, 2025, with results to be declared on February 8. The Aam Aadmi Party, which secured 62 out of 70 seats in the 2020 elections, is seeking a third consecutive term.

Source: Web Team, C6N