UNION BUDGET 2025 AT A GLANCE: A BLUEPRINT FOR GROWTH AND EQUITY

The Union Budget 2025, presented at a critical juncture in India's economic growth, outlines an ambitious yet pragmatic roadmap with the goal of strengthening the nation's financial resilience, boosting growth, and enhancing social well-being. Focusing on agriculture, MSMEs, investment, and exports as specific priorities, this budget aims to make India more resilient to global challenges while fostering inclusive growth with GYAN at the back of the mind.

Empowering Agriculture: Strengthening the Rural Backbone

Recognizing agriculture as the backbone of India's economy, the budget reveals key initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and increasing farmer welfare. The PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana will improve irrigation and extend credit support to 1.7 crore farmers, while the National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds will enhance crop yield. Increasing the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan limit to ₹5 lakh will significantly enhance financial security for marginal and small farmers.

Further, the government’s push for post-harvest infrastructure, a five-year cotton productivity plan, and targeted support for the seafood industry reflect a holistic approach to strengthening the agricultural value chain.

MSMEs: Catalysts of Economic Growth

With 7.5 crore people employed in 5.7 crore MSME units, this sector is the backbone of India’s industrial landscape. The budget addresses long-standing credit access issues by enhancing the Credit Guarantee Scheme, doubling the micro-enterprise credit cover to ₹10 crore, and expanding the loan guarantee limit for start-ups to ₹20 crore.

Additionally, initiatives like the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds, a dedicated toy sector initiative, and support for footwear exports will create significant employment opportunities and boost manufacturing competitiveness.

Investing in People and Infrastructure

The government’s Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programs will provide nutritional support to 8 crore children and 1 crore mothers, underscoring a commitment to human capital development. Meanwhile, education and healthcare investments, including 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs and a 130% increase in medical seats, promise long-term dividends in skill enhancement and healthcare accessibility.

On the infrastructure front, the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund and the second phase of the Asset Monetization Plan (2025-30) will drive economic expansion. Notably, the government’s commitment to 100 GW nuclear energy capacity by 2047, backed by a ₹20,000 crore investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), signals a decisive shift towards sustainable energy solutions.

Boosting Exports and Trade

The introduction of Bharat Trade Net, aimed at digitizing trade processes, alongside reforms in air cargo and land records modernization, will streamline exports. Raising the FDI cap in insurance to 100% and incentivizing digital trade documentation will enhance India's appeal as a global investment hub.

Tax Reforms and Fiscal Prudence

The budget introduces personal income tax reforms, raising the tax-free income limit to ₹12 lakh, thereby easing financial burdens on the middle class. Other measures, including higher TDS exemptions for senior citizens and an extended ITR filing window, reflect a taxpayer-friendly approach.

A fiscal deficit target of 4.8% for FY25 and 4.4% for FY26 signals the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation while maintaining a robust capital outlay of ₹10.1 lakh crore.

Conclusion: A Vision for a Self-Reliant India

The Union Budget 2025 strikes a crucial balance between growth-oriented policies, fiscal prudence, and social equity. By focusing on agriculture, MSMEs, investment, and exports, it lays the foundation for sustainable economic expansion. With a forward-looking approach emphasizing digital transformation, financial inclusion, and green energy, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global economic powerhouse.

This budget is not just a financial statement—it is a vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, fostering prosperity for every citizen while securing India's place in the global economic order.