‘Middle-Class Homemakers Feel Cheated, Neglected By This Budget’
Shalini Bana, a housewife living in Noida Extension, says she will not have to run her household on an even tighter budget as the relentless rise in grocery prices go unchecked. Her views:
The recent announcements in the Union Budget has left me, a middle-class housewife in my 40s, with a deep sense of disappointment and frustration. As someone who meticulously manages my family’s finances, I was eagerly awaiting the budget, hoping for some relief or measures that would ease the financial burden we carry daily. However, what I found instead was a series of decisions that seemed to widen the gap between hope and reality for families like mine.
For years, the middle class has borne the brunt of heavy taxation, and this budget is no exception. While the government tom-toms about its focus on infrastructure and other big-ticket projects, there is a glaring absence of tangible benefits for middle-class households. Our income bracket often feels like the forgotten child of the economy—too wealthy for subsidies and too poor to enjoy luxuries without consequence. The tax relief measures, if any, were negligible, failing to account for the ever-increasing cost of living that erodes our purchasing power.
One of the most pressing issues is the relentless rise in grocery prices. As someone who manages household expenses, I see the direct impact of these price hikes every time I step into a supermarket. The cost of daily essentials like fruits, vegetables, and grains has skyrocketed, forcing me to make tough decisions about what goes into our shopping cart. It’s not just the food items; even basic household necessities such as cleaning supplies and personal care products have become more expensive. Despite all the budgeting and planning, I find myself struggling to make ends meet, and this budget offers little to alleviate that burden.
Moreover, the surge in gold prices is another blow to the middle-class family. Traditionally, gold has been a safety net and a reliable form of investment for us. It’s something we have relied on for generations, whether for weddings, cultural ceremonies, or as a hedge against inflation. However, with prices at an all-time high, even the thought of buying gold is daunting. This budget does nothing to address this issue, further alienating middle-class savers like us.
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The irony lies in the fact that while the economy is touted as growing, the benefits of this growth are not trickling down to families like mine. Our expenses continue to climb, and our incomes do not match this rate of inflation. Education costs for our children are increasing, healthcare is becoming more expensive, and our savings are dwindling. The promise of better infrastructure or digital advancements holds little weight when the daily realities of making ends meet feel like a never-ending struggle.
The lack of focus on financially relieving the middle class in this budget is disheartening. We need policies that understand and address the challenges faced by families like mine—policies that provide tax relief, control inflation, and make essential goods affordable. We need a budget that prioritizes the needs of the middle class, recognizing our role as the backbone of the economy.
In all this budget has left me with a sense of despair and a feeling of being unheard. As a middle-class home budget maker, I hoped for measures that would offer some respite from our financial challenges. Instead, I am left to navigate the same struggles with an even tighter budget, hoping for a future where our needs and contributions are acknowledged and valued.
As told to Deepti Sharma
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Budget 2024 falls short, missing the mark on crucial issues. Insufficient funding for healthcare, education, and social services leaves vulnerable communities struggling. The lack of substantial tax relief and job creation measures further disappoints, failing to address economic challenges and widening the gap between rich and poor.
Correctly written.. one to one word is explained well. It’s really true this time budget had disturbed and disheartened all the loving followers of …. They government should think about the middle class. I am seeing since my birth, poor is getting poorer and rich has no isse as they already have everything to fullfill there needs, but what about the middle … They are really in between where they are confused how to run there family, how to fulfill the needs.
As there is a big competition in the society..
Shalini Bana’s perspective on the Union Budget is very insightful and relatable. Her account of struggling with rising grocery prices and limited tax relief highlights the need for more support for middle-class families. Thank you, Shalini, for speaking up about these important issues and showing how budget decisions affect everyday people.
Dear Shalini Bana,
Thank you for sharing your candid thoughts on the recent Union Budget and its implications for middle-class households. Your experiences and insights highlight the pressing challenges many families face in managing their finances amidst rising costs and limited financial relief.
Your articulation of the frustration felt due to the relentless rise in grocery prices resonates with many. It is indeed disheartening to see essential items become increasingly unaffordable, forcing difficult choices in daily living. The impact on household budgets is immediate and severe, making it hard to maintain the quality of life that many middle-class families strive for.
The lack of substantial tax relief and measures to curb inflation in the budget is a significant concern. The middle class, as you aptly described, often finds itself squeezed between not qualifying for subsidies and struggling to afford non-essential luxuries. This economic segment plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, yet it often feels neglected in policy decisions.
Your call for more focused attention on middle-class issues, particularly in terms of reducing daily living expenses and providing meaningful tax relief, is crucial. Policymakers need to recognize the unique pressures faced by middle-class families and craft solutions that offer genuine relief.
Thank you again for voicing these important concerns. It is through such honest feedback that we can hope for more inclusive and considerate policymaking in the future.
Gaurav Balyan
Aptly said,but the push for a world class development which is lagging in the country since last 70 years requires hard taxation,the best alternative is to provide relaxation to the middle class and bring more people,I mean non taxpayer,under the ambit of taxation,as only 5% of the population at present is the active taxpayer for the country.
I agree with you on how heavy taxes can really weigh down the middle-class folks. It’s frustrating when you’re already trying to make ends meet, and then a big chunk of your hard-earned money goes to taxes.
For many middle-class families, taxes can take a significant portion of their income, leaving them with less to cover essential expenses and save for the future. It can feel like despite working hard and trying to manage your budget wisely, the tax burden makes it challenging to get ahead.
One way to potentially ease this burden is to stay informed about available tax deductions and credits that could help reduce your tax liability. Additionally, advocating for tax policies that better support the middle class and working families can make a difference in the long run.
It’s essential for policymakers to consider the impact of heavy taxes on the middle class and work towards creating a fairer tax system that eases the financial strain on hardworking individuals and families.
