As India prepares for Union Budget 2025, business leaders across industries—startups, real estate, education, renewable energy, and healthcare—are looking forward to progressive policies that stimulate innovation, simplify regulations, and ensure inclusive economic development. The upcoming budget presents an opportunity to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Here’s an overview of industry expectations and strategic recommendations from experts.
Boosting the Startup Ecosystem
Ankur Srivastava, Founder, QI Media Network
To truly establish ‘Make in India’ as a global hallmark of innovation and quality, the budget must bridge the gap between startup ambitions and government support. Essential steps include increasing awareness of startup policies, creating a centralized platform for incubation access, and streamlining bureaucratic processes with a single-window clearance system. Additionally, expanding funding avenues, fostering regional entrepreneurship in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and offering export incentives will enhance global competitiveness. Public-private partnerships and infrastructure development will be instrumental in building a thriving startup ecosystem.
Strengthening Real Estate and Sustainable Development
Mr. Sunil Pareek, Executive Director, Assetz Property Group
The real estate sector is a crucial pillar of India’s economy. To achieve its ambitious goal of reaching a $1 trillion valuation by 2030, it requires industry status, a streamlined single-window approval system, and input tax credit benefits for developers. Furthermore, incentivizing sustainable construction and green building technologies will align with India’s Net Zero 2070 vision, fostering environmentally responsible urban growth.
Revolutionizing Education Infrastructure
Jasmeet Singh Chhabra, Co-Founder, Crimson Schools
With a projected demand for over 4 billion square feet of additional educational infrastructure by 2034-35, targeted budgetary reforms are essential. Transitioning to lease-based infrastructure models can alleviate capital-intensive burdens and allow institutions to focus on academic excellence. Reducing the 18% GST on accreditation services would provide financial relief and support infrastructure improvements. Encouraging sustainability in educational facilities through tax incentives will further drive eco-friendly advancements.
Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition
Ms. Tanya Singhal, Founder, Mynzo Carbon & SolarArise
India’s renewable energy sector requires strategic policy interventions to achieve its sustainability goals:
- Climate-Conscious Tax Incentives: Introduce a ₹25,000 annual tax rebate for individuals investing in certified energy-efficient appliances and renewable solutions.
- Renewable Workforce Training Program (₹1,000 Crore): Upskill 100,000 coal workers to transition into the renewable energy sector.
- Storage Innovation Fund (₹500 Crore): Support startups and research institutions in advancing next-generation energy storage technologies.
- Five-Year Tax Holiday for Battery Manufacturers: Strengthen domestic production of advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries for electric vehicles.
- Grid Infrastructure Investment: Expand energy storage capacity at substations to ensure round-the-clock renewable energy reliability.
Financial Sector Growth and Inclusion
Mr. Abhishek Dev, Co-founder & CEO, Epsilon Money
The budget presents an opportunity to strengthen financial inclusion by providing tax benefits for women entrepreneurs, simplifying foreign direct investment (FDI) approvals, and optimizing capital gains tax structures. Encouraging equity participation and increasing foreign investor access to domestic debt markets will drive financial stability and market expansion.
Enhancing Senior Care and Healthcare Innovation
Mr. Adarsh Narahari, Founder & MD, Primus Senior Living
Ensuring the financial security and well-being of India’s senior citizens should be a priority. Reforming reverse mortgage policies will help retirees unlock the value of their assets for a stable post-retirement life. Additionally, reducing GST on senior care services will make healthcare and assisted living solutions more affordable and accessible.
Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman & CEO, SS Innovations
India’s medical technology sector must focus on self-reliance by fostering homegrown innovations. Reducing import duties on critical medical device components and investing in local manufacturing will help the sector grow. Government support for telesurgery and teleproctoring will revolutionize healthcare access in remote regions, ensuring high-quality medical care nationwide.
Advancing Digital Transformation and Emerging Technologies
Salman Shaikh, Founder, The Webmark
Expanding investment in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IT infrastructure is crucial for India’s digital economy. The budget should support research and development, facilitate technology transfers, and implement digital literacy programs. Promoting tech-driven upskilling will enhance India’s global digital competitiveness.
Mohammed Fayaaz, Founder, Triumphs of Talent (ToT)
A strong focus on human capital development is essential for India’s continued growth. Budget 2025 should introduce policies that simplify compliance, incentivize startups, and promote digital transformation to ensure the workforce remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Ensuring Fiscal Discipline and Global Competitiveness
Ramanath Manchala, Founder, Nou Expertise
Maintaining fiscal stability will be critical to India’s long-term economic resilience. While a depreciated rupee may temporarily benefit exports, a more sustainable strategy includes adopting export-friendly policies and reducing regulatory barriers in manufacturing and labor sectors to enhance global competitiveness.
Conclusion
Union Budget 2025 has the potential to drive transformative growth across various industries, strengthening India’s vision of self-reliance and sustainable development. By implementing policies that foster innovation, streamline regulations, and invest in infrastructure, the government can create an environment conducive to startups, green energy adoption, and economic inclusivity.
A strategic focus on digital transformation and climate-conscious initiatives reflects India’s commitment to addressing global challenges. Strengthening healthcare and education will contribute to long-term human capital development, while fiscal support for businesses and rural communities ensures balanced growth.
Collaboration between the public and private sectors will be key in maximizing the impact of these policies. By embracing entrepreneurship, sustainability, and inclusivity, India is poised to emerge as a global economic powerhouse, driving prosperity for future generations.
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