Dr. K Paul Thomas, MD & CEO, ESAF Small Finance Bank
“This is a growth-oriented and inclusive Budget that places farmers, rural India, and youth at the centre of the development agenda, while maintaining fiscal prudence and macroeconomic stability. The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, covering 100 districts and benefiting nearly 1.7 crore farmers, along with the enhancement of KCC limits from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, will significantly strengthen rural credit access and improve productivity across the agricultural value chain.
The proposal to establish SHE-Marts (Self-Help Entrepreneur Marts) and at least one girls’ hostel in every district, alongside support for women-led FPOs, will expand market access and create greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The scheme supporting 5 lakh first-time women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs with loans up to ₹2 crore, together with the expanded MSME credit guarantee unlocking ₹1.5 lakh crore, will accelerate grassroots entrepreneurship, strengthen small businesses, and drive job creation across the country.
The proposed High-Level Committee on Banking for Viksit Bharat will further reinforce the financial sector, enabling banks to support agriculture, MSMEs, and infrastructure-led growth. Emphasis on AI, renewed focus on education, and simplification of tax compliance are other notable highlights. In short, the Budget achieves a balanced approach—leveraging technology while respecting traditional sectors—to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.”