Budget 2025 Highlights

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 1 February 2025 Union Budget emphasized tax relief, infrastructure, rural livelihoods, innovation, and climate initiatives.
Key Highlights
Personal Income Tax Relief New regime under ₹12 lakh comes tax free; junction with ₹12.75 lakh via standard deduction.
Capex & Deficit ₹11.21 lakh crore capex, fiscal deficit targeted at 4.4% of GDP.
Digital & EdTech Push 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, ₹500 crore AI Centre of Excellence, broadband in schools and PHCs.
Agriculture & Rural PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana; pulses mission; makhana board; urea plant in Assam.
MSME & Startups Credit limits doubled; ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds; women/SC/ST entrepreneur loans up to ₹2 cr.
Green Energy & Nuclear SMR mission with ₹20k crore; incentives for EV batteries, solar PV, wind turbines.
Gig Workers & Urban Funds Identity cards & healthcare; ₹1 lakh cr Urban Challenge Fund.

Reactions & Priorities
Middle class taxpayers cheered tax breaks; rural leaders appreciated farm programs. Analysts applauded focus on innovation but flagged concerns over growth momentum and fiscal discipline.
Outlook
As budget measures roll out, watch implementation speed of digital infrastructure, credit flow to rural segments, and the capex pipeline. These elements will shape economic resilience through 2025 and approach the 2029 general elections.