The allocation for several other social-sector ministries too has either declined or remained static in terms of percentage of the GDP. This despite an increase in the education cess on personal income tax and corporate tax from three to four per cent. "The existing three per cent education cess will be replaced by a four per cent health-and-education cess. This increase is deceptive going by the share of GDP and considering the increase in cess," Govinda said. However, the increase in allocations is Rs 5,448 crore in health and Rs 5,324 crore in education, which add up to just less than Rs 11,000 crore.

Source: The Telegraph February 01, 2018 20:48 UTC