Introduction
Budget 2025 continues the government’s vision to drive economic growth, foster inclusive development, and enhance private sector investments. Presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Budget 2025 outlines key reforms and policies to boost various sectors, including agriculture, MSMEs, and infrastructure development.
Key Themes of Budget 2025
The budget emphasizes Viksit Bharat, with goals such as:
- Zero poverty
- Quality education and healthcare for all
- 100% skilled workforce and employment generation
- Enhanced role of women in economic activities
- Strengthening India’s position as a global agricultural leader
To achieve these, Budget 2025 focuses on four key engines of growth:
1. Agriculture, 2. MSMEs, 3. Investment, and 4. Exports, supported by reforms and inclusive governance.
Agriculture and Rural Development
The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana will be launched, targeting 100 districts with low productivity to improve irrigation, credit access, and post-harvest storage. Additionally, a National Mission for Pulses aims for self-sufficiency in Tur, Urad, and Masoor crops.
Other initiatives include:
- Makhana Board in Bihar to promote processing and marketing
- Fisheries growth strategy to boost exports
- Mission for Cotton Productivity to support cotton farmers
- Enhanced credit through Kisan Credit Card (KCC), raising the loan limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh
MSMEs: The Backbone of Economic Growth
Recognizing MSMEs as the second engine of economic growth, Budget 2025 introduces:
- Enhanced credit availability with a guarantee cover raised to ₹10 crore
- Credit Cards for Micro Enterprises with a ₹5 lakh limit for small businesses
- Startup Fund of Funds with an additional ₹10,000 crore investment
- Focus on labour-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, and food processing
Investment and Infrastructure Development
Budget 2025 prioritizes investments in people and infrastructure through:
- 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs for STEM education
- Broadband for rural schools and PHCs
- Expansion of IITs and medical education
- Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals
- Jal Jeevan Mission extension till 2028 for universal access to potable water
- Urban Challenge Fund of ₹1 lakh crore to revamp cities
Tax Reforms and Financial Sector Developments
Budget 2025 introduces progressive tax reforms for the middle class:
- No tax on income up to ₹12 lakh (₹12.75 lakh for salaried individuals)
- Revised income tax slabs benefiting all taxpayers
- Rationalization of TDS and TCS for ease of compliance
- New pension sector framework and financial inclusion measures
Conclusion
Budget 2025 sets the roadmap for India’s long-term economic growth by fostering innovation, empowering MSMEs, and strengthening core sectors. With a focus on infrastructure, agriculture, and tax reforms, it lays a strong foundation for achieving Viksit Bharat.
