Expectations, hope, despair, and then, a sense of resignation.This Budget has not opened up adequate avenues for you. If anything, the higher dividend distribution tax may make life more difficult. The FM has raised the IT limit to Rs 1.95 lakh , by a royal sum of Rs 10,000 a year. You can save Rs 2,000 annually even if your taxable income is Rs 15 lakh. But, in a major instance of giving by one hand and taking away by the other, the education cess is increased by a percentage point. Basically, it brings you back to where you were in the first place. Considering the spiraling rate of inflation in the country, the above relief is insignificant. Moreover, this benefit would be offset by the levy of an additional surcharge once the total income crosses Rs 5,10,000 for men (non-seniors), Rs 5,21,750 for women and Rs 8,93,400 for senior citizens. I consider this a mere lip-service!