Leaders representing various trade unions recently met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for customary pre-Budget consultations, presenting a memorandum of their demands. The unions advocated for resource mobilization through increased corporate and wealth taxes, along with the introduction of an inheritance tax. They urged a significant reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on essential food items, medicine, and medical insurance, suggesting these measures over taxation that impacts the general public.
Further proposals included the expansion of social security mechanisms and a restructured tax system designed to benefit working individuals. Specific demands highlighted the implementation of "worker status" for all scheme workers, a recommendation from the 45th Indian Labour Conference. They also sought the extension of Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) benefits to scheme workers and called for budgetary allocations to fulfill a Supreme Court order on gratuity for Anganwadi workers and helpers, with a proposed extension to all scheme workers. One union specifically requested an increase in budgetary support for schemes through enhanced wages.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/trade-unions-seek-inheritance-tax-higher-corporate-tax-in-pre-budget-meeting/article70304144.ece