February 1, 2025, New Delhi: The Union Budget 2025 outlines a transformative agenda that addresses our economy’s immediate needs while paving the way for a sustainable future. This budget reflects our government’s commitment to the common man of India, ensuring that every citizen can thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. The government’s strategic planning for this budget reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by our society. The proposed development measures in the Budget 2025 span broad areas focusing on enabling employment-led development, investing in people, economy and innovation, and taking everyone together on an inclusive growth plan.
Discussing about the budget, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India said “The Union Budget 2025 reflects a forward-looking vision that not only strengthens economic growth through tax reforms but also prioritizes key sectors driving India’s future. From enhancing Kisan Credit Card limits and boosting cotton productivity to empowering startups and MSMEs through credit guarantees, these measures will accelerate entrepreneurship and rural prosperity. The focus on deep tech funding, AI-driven education, and five Centers of Excellence in skills underscores India’s commitment to a future-ready workforce. Additionally, expanding medical education, strengthening cancer care at district hospitals, and ensuring social security for gig workers demonstrate a balanced approach to inclusive development. This Budget paves the way for a more skilled, resilient, and self-reliant India.”
The govt. is prioritizing inclusive growth, with targeted measures that uplift underprivileged communities, empower women, and support our farmers. It is also a big win for the individual taxpayers as they provide strength to the economy and to recognise their contribution, the government has provided relaxation to the middle class by exempting tax on income up to Rs. 12 lakh.
There has been commendable focus on Skilling and Education in the Union Budget 2025. From nourishing children & mothers with Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0, to fostering innovation with 50k Atal Tinkering Labs, boosting digital learning with BharatNet & language resources, and strengthening skill development & IITs this has been a truly transformative budget for our future.
National Centres of Excellence for Skilling
The government will set-up five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling with global expertise and partnerships to equip youth with skills required for “Make for India, Make for the World” initiative, focusing on curriculum design, trainer training, and a robust skills certification framework.
National Framework for Global Capability Centres (GCC)
A national framework will guide states in promoting Global Capability Centres in tier 2 cities, enhancing talent availability and infrastructure while facilitating industry collaboration.
Fund of Funds for Startups
With a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore, our Fund of Funds for Startups will nurture over 1.5 lakh recognized startups, providing crucial capital across various stages and reducing reliance on foreign funding.
Centre of Excellence in AI for Education
The govt. are also establishing a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education with an investment of Rs. 500 crores to revolutionize learning accessibility.
Employment-led Growth Initiatives
To drive employment-led growth, we will implement intensive skill development programs and provide Mudra loans for home stays, enhance travel connectivity, and offer performance-linked incentives to states.
Skilling emerges as a cornerstone across all these initiatives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where every individual has the opportunity to develop their skills, contribute meaningfully to the economy, and uplift their communities. The initiatives outlined include the scheme to establish India as a global hub for toys and support for 5 lakh first-time women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs, focusing on online capacity building and entrepreneurship training. Additionally, the ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ program aims to combat underemployment in agriculture by providing targeted skilling and investment, empowering rural communities to thrive locally.
So, this budget is not merely about fiscal allocations; it lays a foundation for inclusive growth and sustainable development. As India strives towards becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’, it is vital to foster an environment where every Indian can realize their potential and contribute to India’s progress and the possibilities that lie ahead.