India, Feb. 1 -- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman breathed fresh life into the salaried middle class with the Union Budget 2025 by announcing zero income tax for anyone earning up to INR 12 Lakh a year.

"This government under the leadership of PM Modi has always believed in the admirable energy and ability of the middle class in nation building. In recognition of their contribution, we have periodically reduced their tax burden," she told a House waiting keenly for the mega announcement.

"From 2019 to 2023, we have periodically raised the nil tax slab which was up to INR 7 Lakh in 2023. I am now happy to announce that there will be no income tax up to an income of INR 12 Lakh.This benefit will be up to INR 12.75 lakh for salaried ind...