HIGHLIGHTS / PROPOSALS MADE IN
UNION BUDGET 2008-09

Excise Reduction  

Excise duty has been fully exempted on paper and paper products manufactured from non-conventional raw materials, upto first clearance of 3500 metric tonne in a year from a unit.

Excise duty on paper and paper products, manufactured from non-conventional raw materials, beyond clearance of 3500 metric tonne per year from a unit (not having an attached bamboo/wood pulp plant) has been reduced from 12% to 8%.

 

Excise duty on writing paper, printing paper and packaging paper falling under heading nos. 4802, 4804, 4805, 4807, 4808 and 4810 has been reduced from 12% to 8%.

Indirect benefit of the budget proposal

(a)      (a)    20% hike in Education budget this year from Rs. 28,674 crorer  (2007-08) to Rs. 34,400 crore which will result in increased expenditure on education.  

 Impact :-  POSITIVE

 (b)     Earmarked Rs. 13100 crore for Sarva Shiksha Abhyan

 Impact:  POSITIVE

 (i)   No change in peak rate of custom duty

 (ii)  General CENVAT rate cut on all goods (14%)

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