NEET Aspirants Disappointed By Budget 2024, Seek GST Relief And Interest-Free Loans

NEET aspirants in Kota are disappointed with the Union Budget 2024-25, citing no relief from the 18% GST on coaching fees and the lack of interest-free education loans.

Kota: NEET aspirants in Kota, Rajasthan, have expressed disappointment with the Union Budget 2024-25, citing the lack of relief from the 18% GST on coaching fees and the absence of interest-free education loans, as reported by news agency PTI.

"Education is a right; there should be no tax on it," said Vaishnavi, a NEET aspirant from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. She added that a reduction in GST could have eased financial burdens on families but noted that no such relief was announced. 

Vaishnavi did, however, appreciate the 3% reduction in education loan interest rates, which she believes will benefit students from lower-income backgrounds. Another NEET aspirant, Mahendra Solanki from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, echoed these concerns, criticizing the budget's insufficient allocation for education and the ongoing GST on coaching fees. He, too, called for interest-free education loans and additional funds to enhance examination agency integrity.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court recently dismissed pleas to cancel and re-test the NEET-UG 2024 exam, which had been marred by controversy. This controversy arose when 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720, an unprecedented feat in NTA history, with six from a Haryana center. After the NTA revised the results on July 1, the number of top rankers decreased to 61.

Sushil Kumar, a private employee and parent of a coaching student, described the budget as "not very fulfilling." He expressed dissatisfaction with the limited impact of tax slab exemptions and a lack of relief for the middle class. 

Dr. Laxman Lal Gurjar, a surgeon from Bundi, welcomed reductions in the prices of medical drugs and the increased Mudra loan limit to Rs 20 lakh but urged for a tax-free slab up to Rs 10 lakh and financial relief for purchasing advanced medical equipment in hospitals. 

Dr. Brijbala Gupta, a state BJP working committee member, praised the budget for its inclusive approach and mandatory reduction of stamp duty for women. Senior government teacher Suman Sharma appreciated the tax slab relief, noting significant benefits for government employees.

Sayam Dadich, a 20-year-old Chartered Accountant (CA) Intermediate aspirant and stock market investor, had mixed feelings about the budget. While he welcomed the reduced interest rates on education loans, he was disheartened by increased tax rates on short-term and long-term investments, which he finds disappointing as a young investor.

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