Union Budget 2025 expectations highlights: Finance sector calls for investments on infra for growth

Union Budget 2025 Latest Updates: Catch all the latest developments related to Union Budget 2025 here

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the 2025-26 Budget on February 1. In the lead-up to the presentation, multiple sectors have voiced their concerns and expectations.

 

The finance minister is scheduled to present the Budget speech in Parliament at 11 am on February 1, 2025. 

Deepak Ramaraju, Senior Fund Manager at Shriram AMC, said, "It is concerning that GDP growth has recently slowed to a 7-quarter low of 5.4 per cent in Q2FY25. It is expected that in response, the government will give priority to policies that bolster growth, especially by providing financial assistance to those with lower incomes." 

 

He added, "Key areas of focus are likely to include investments in infrastructure development, sustainable energy initiatives, a manufacturing sector boost, and continued spending on defense and railways — all of which can play a crucial role in bolstering economic growth and increasing demand for SMEs."

 

4:48 PM

Edtech sector seeks tax breaks, GST cuts, and loans in Budget 2025: Adda247 CEO

Anil Nagar, founder and CEO of Adda247, "The Union Budget 2025 is pivotal for India's education and skilling landscape. Although digital education has made significant progress in the past few years, this year's real challenge will be bridging the education-skilling-employability gap."

 

He added, "The current digital infrastructure needs to be more robust and accessible. It would be a game-changer if targeted tax breaks and incentivised collaborations between EdTech platforms and educational institutions became part of this Budget.... I hope the government will announce interest-free loans and reduce GST rates on education and skilling initiatives to ensure that learning becomes more accessible to those who need it most." 

4:40 PM

Railways sector seeks DFC expansion, faster freight trains: Jupiter Wagons Ltd MD

Vivek Lohia, managing director at Jupiter Wagons Limited, said, “As we look ahead to the Union Budget 2025-26, it is imperative that the Ministry of Railways adopts a multi-pronged approach to strengthen freight operations. Accelerating the expansion of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), including the newly introduced 'Central India to coast via DFC,' will ensure faster, cost-efficient, and reliable freight movement, significantly enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian industries."

 

Lohia added, "Increasing the average speed of freight trains to 50 KMPH, deploying advanced 12,000 HP electric locomotives, and increasing the length of freight trains will be pivotal in accelerating freight loading."

4:36 PM

Budget 2025 should help in reducing import dependence in sourcing: Onix Group COO

Hardik Adhiya, chief operating officer (COO), Onix Group, said, "Capacity building in domestic manufacturing and renewable energy generation will build the energy transition pathway for the country to achieve the target to reach 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. In line with that vision, the renewable energy sector expects the Union Budget 2025-26 to announce some proposals and targeted measures to reduce import dependence in sourcing equipment while strengthening the storage, transmission and distribution network." 

3:08 PM

Targeted tax benefits, grants needed to strengthen GCC ecosystem: Inductus CEO

Alouk Kumar, CEO and founder of Inductus, said, "We recommend introducing targetted tax benefits and grants in proportion to job creation and up-skilling initiatives to further boost and strengthen the GCC ecosystem and growth. Taking inspiration from successful global models like Singapore's Smart Nation Initiative, we need to develop advanced digital infrastructure and smart tech parks. 

 

Kumar added, "Budget allocation for workforce development through skill-building programmes for emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud computing including deep tech, similar to Germany's Dual Education System, will be crucial for meeting emerging GCC talent demands."

1:18 PM

EV sector calls for enhanced subsidies, & reduction in GST rates for batteries: Credifin Limited CEO

Shalya Gupta, CEO, Credifin Limited, said, "It is imperative that the government puts in place an enabling ecosystem for EV adoption. This includes incentivising EV purchase and green finance initiatives."

 

Gupta added, "The EV market in India is poised for exponential growth, but the initial cost of EVs remains a barrier for many consumers. To address this, we expect enhanced subsidies, tax benefits, reduction in GST rates for batteries used in electric vehicles, and affordable charging facilities."

12:27 PM

Govt should simplify taxes, ease compliance, strengthen digital infrastructure: Meesho CFO

Dhiresh Bansal, Chief Financial Officer at Meesho, said, “The Union Budget 2024 introduced significant measures like reduced TDS rates, laying a strong foundation for SMEs and the e-commerce sector. As we look ahead to the Union Budget 2025, we hope for further reforms that simplify taxes and regulations, ease compliance, and strengthen digital infrastructure."

Bansal added, "Specifically, relaxing the requirement for a Physical Place of Business (PPOB) in every state by enabling a Virtual Place of Business will greatly enhance the ease of doing business for online sellers." 

11:47 AM

Budget 2025: What is direct tax code and will it replace Income Tax Act?

With the Modi government returning to power and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the helm, the long-anticipated Direct Tax Code (DTC) is set to be introduced. The DTC aims to simplify India's intricate tax system, making it more accessible, clear, and easier for taxpayers to comply with.

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11:05 AM

Govt should consider reduction in fiscal deficit closer to 4.5%, says Trust Mutual Funds CEO

Sandeep Bagla, CEO of Trust Mutual Funds, said, ''It is going to be a tight rope budget. Domestic economy is slowing down. Rupee is under pressure. Inflation is yet to come to RBI’s comfort levels.  We expect some reduction in the fiscal deficit closer to 4.5 per cent. The government is likely to increase the outlay on public capital expenditure, but only slightly."

 

Bagla further said, "I expect a marginal increase in capital gains tax to shore up revenues. Personal tax rates could be reduced or adjustments in the buckets could be made to put more money in consumer’s hands."