From lower income tax rate to increase workforce, govt to introduce benefits for women

Pushing more women to come under tax umbrella, the government is likely to consider lowering income tax slab for single wome, a media report said. 

The lower income tax for single women has been considered on the back of rise in this particular segment of population. There population has been increase by 39% between 2001 and 2011, as reported by The Times of India. 

As per the report, apart from lowering the income tax rate for women, the government is also planning to introduce Aadhaar-linked health cards which can avail free health check-ups and cashless medical service for pregnent women and a comprehensive health insurance for critical ailments. These steps have been marked as "urgent actions".

Moreover, the above benfits will be included in a national policy for women which is likely to be framed under the chairmanship of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The policy is expected to be unveiled soon. 

After the recent outrage on social media on demanding tax exemption on sanitary napkins, the media report mentioned that the policy will consider tax exemption on all mentrual hygiene products for easy and affordable accessibility.

After the policy is approved by the Cabinet, under the "areas of immediate action", the government will look into the living facilities for elderly women, especially widows. 

Moreover, the policy also include framework to increase women workforce by 50% by 2030. To achieve this, the government is planning to waive registration fees completely for girls appearing in competitive or entrance exams, free coaching and more hostels facilities for working women in cities and towns, the report mentioned. 

Other benefits under the policy will be related to NRI women, who are affected by marriage related disputes. For rural women, Kisan credit cards with lower interest rates, 100% coverage for women and girls under the PM's Jan Dhan Yojana and Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, will be provided as per the new policy, the report added.