Union Budget 2025: Key Expectations and Recommendations from Industry Experts

Union Budget 2025: Key Expectations and Recommendations from Industry Experts

As India gears up for the Union Budget 2025, expectations are high across various sectors, including startups, real estate, education, renewable energy, and healthcare. Industry leaders are calling for a budget that encourages innovation, streamlines regulations, and promotes inclusive economic growth. Addressing critical areas such as early-stage startup funding, sustainable real estate practices, modernising education infrastructure, and advancing green energy initiatives, the budget offers a pivotal opportunity to shape India’s economic future. Below, we explore key recommendations from industry experts that could propel India toward global leadership in innovation, technology, AI, green energy, and sustainable development.

Startups and Entrepreneurship

Ankur Srivastava, Founder, QI Media Network
To transform ‘Make in India’ into a global symbol of innovation and quality, the budget must focus on bridging the gap between startup aspirations and reality. Key recommendations include raising policy awareness through dedicated campaigns, simplifying incubation processes via centralized platforms, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles with single-window clearances. Expanding funding opportunities, incentivizing Tier 2 and Tier 3 city incubation centers, and facilitating global market access through export benefits will further boost the ecosystem. Investments in infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and continuous policy refinement based on industry feedback will help create a thriving, competitive startup landscape.

Real Estate and Sustainability

Mr. Sunil Pareek, Executive Director, Assetz Property Group
Real estate is a cornerstone of India’s economic development, and addressing long-term industry concerns will unlock its next growth phase. Essential reforms include granting industry status to real estate, implementing a single-window approval system, and offering input tax credits to developers. As the sector aligns with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment, policies should encourage sustainable development by incentivising eco-friendly projects. With the real estate market projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, strategic support will be crucial in achieving this target.

Education and Infrastructure

Jasmeet Singh Chhabra, Co-Founder, Crimson Schools
India requires an additional 4 billion sq. ft. of educational space by 2034–35, making infrastructure investment a pressing priority. Budget 2025 should promote lease-based models for school expansion, reducing capital-intensive burdens and enhancing educational quality. Lowering the 18% GST on affiliation and accreditation services would ease financial pressures on institutions, enabling them to allocate more resources toward digital and physical infrastructure. Additionally, providing tax breaks and subsidies for green and sustainable practices in schools will promote environmental consciousness while ensuring long-term cost savings.

Renewable Energy and Green Economy

Ms. Tanya Singhal, Founder, Mynzo Carbon & SolarArise
To accelerate India’s transition to clean energy, further incentives are needed. Suggested measures include:

  • A climate-conscious tax rebate: offering up to ₹25,000 in annual tax deductions for individuals adopting certified energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy solutions.
  • A ₹1,000 crore Renewable Workforce Training Program: Upskilling 100,000 workers in coal-based industries to prepare them for employment in the renewable energy sector.
  • A ₹500 crore Storage Innovation Fund: Supporting startups and research institutions developing advanced energy storage technologies.
  • A five-year tax holiday for new manufacturing units in the advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery sector to strengthen the domestic battery industry.
  • Investment in grid infrastructure to ensure green energy plants maintain a must-run status and improve energy stability.

Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth

Mr. Abhishek Dev, Co-founder & CEO, Epsilon Money
Union Budget 2025 is an opportunity to foster inclusive economic growth by empowering women in finance and entrepreneurship. Recommended measures include tax incentives for women entrepreneurs, incentivizing capital expenditure, streamlining foreign direct investment (FDI) approvals via a single-window approach, and rationalizing securities transaction tax (STT) and capital gains structures. Expanding foreign investor access to domestic debt markets and promoting equity investments will further strengthen India’s financial ecosystem.

Senior Care and Healthcare

Mr. Adarsh Narahari, Founder & MD, Primus Senior Living
Senior citizens deserve a secure and dignified life in their retirement years. Reforming reverse mortgage policies will provide financial flexibility by allowing seniors to unlock their asset value. Additionally, rationalizing GST for senior care services is essential to ensuring affordability and accessibility of quality healthcare and convenience services.

Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman & CEO, SS Innovations
Encouraging indigenous medical technology innovation is crucial for a self-reliant healthcare sector. Reducing import duties on critical medical device components and investing in domestic manufacturing will position India as a global leader in med-tech innovation. Government backing for emerging technologies like telesurgery and teleproctoring will improve healthcare access in remote regions, transforming healthcare delivery.

Technology and Digital Transformation

Salman Shaikh, Founder, The Webmark
Technology is the backbone of India’s economic growth. Budget 2025 should prioritize investments in AI, blockchain, and digital infrastructure while incentivizing R&D and simplifying technology transfers. Expanding digital access, promoting upskilling programs, and supporting green technology will strengthen India’s position as a global digital economy leader.

Mohammed Fayaaz, Founder, Triumphs of Talent (ToT)
To maximize India’s human capital potential, the budget should focus on skill development and job creation. Simplifying compliance for businesses, providing incentives for startups, and supporting digital transformation will align the workforce with global industry demands.

Fiscal Discipline and Export Competitiveness

Ramanath Manchala, Founder, Nou Expertise
India must adopt fiscal conservatism to shift from deficits to surpluses, ensuring long-term economic stability. While a depreciating rupee may benefit exports, the government should enhance competitiveness by implementing export-friendly policies and deregulating key sectors like manufacturing and labor laws.

Conclusion

Union Budget 2025 has the potential to drive transformative growth across India’s core sectors, strengthening the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. By prioritizing innovation, streamlining regulations, and investing in infrastructure, the government can empower startups, advance sustainability, and create inclusive economic opportunities.

A strong emphasis on green energy and digital transformation reflects India’s commitment to tackling global challenges like climate change and technological disruptions. Additionally, investing in healthcare and education will ensure long-term human capital development, while targeted fiscal measures will support MSMEs and rural communities.

Collaboration between public and private sectors will be essential in implementing these reforms successfully. By embracing innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and prioritizing inclusive growth, India can not only build a resilient domestic economy but also emerge as a key player in the global landscape, driving progress and sustainability for future generations.

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