The Union Budget 2025-26 laid out by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025, with an initiative that is set to drive economic growth, inclusive development, and the growing challenges of the Indian economy. The Budget is focused on policies that will spur private sector investments, fast-track rural development, and raise the purchasing power of India’s rising middle class. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Budget’s major provisions, with special focus on agriculture, MSMEs, salaried taxpayers, tax reforms, digital infrastructure, employment, and more, and how these measures will frame India’s economic scene in the year ahead.
Aims of the 2025-26 Union Budget
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched five major objectives of the Union Budget 2025-26, which are the pillars of the government’s fiscal policy and spending priorities for the year ahead:
- Accelerating Growth: The main thrust of the Budget is accelerating India’s economic growth through planned investments in key sectors like infrastructure, manufacturing, and agriculture.
- Ensuring Inclusive Development: The emphasis is strong on ensuring that the dividends of growth trickle down to all sections of society, especially the marginalized and the underserved.
- Invigorating Private Sector Investment: The Budget seeks to generate a favorable climate for private sector investment in the development of infrastructure, manufacturing, and other key sectors, thus energizing economic activity.
- Boosting Household Sentiment: Increasing consumer confidence through measures that enhance disposable incomes, lower the cost of living, and stabilize the economy is a key objective.
- Enhancing the Spending Power of India’s Rising Middle Class: The government’s policies seek to raise the disposable income of middle-class households to spur higher demand and consumption, which is expected to drive economic growth.
Key Provisions and Initiatives in the Budget
1. Empowering MSMEs
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): are a vital contributor to India’s financial sector, promoting employment generation and substantial contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In appreciation of the pivotal role of MSMEs, the government has made several provisions to promote this sector.
- Credit Cover: The credit limit for micro and small businesses has been raised from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore. This rise is aimed at providing greater access to financial resources by businesses looking to grow their businesses. For startups, also, the limit will be raised to Rs 10 crore, thus enabling greater access to funds.
- Loans for Exporter MSMEs: MSMEs operating export businesses that are financially robust will be able to avail term loans of up to Rs 20 crore. This move is aimed at promoting the growth of MSMEs in the export sector, which is pivotal to India’s foreign exchange earnings.
- Initiatives for SC/ST and Women Entrepreneurs: A new scheme has been launched to benefit 5 lakh first-generation entrepreneurs from the SC/ST and women categories, providing them with term loans up to Rs 2 crore. This move is aimed at empowering weaker sections to start and grow their businesses.
These measures are aimed at increasing the financial resources available to MSMEs, promoting their growth, and enabling job generation and overall economic growth.
2. Support for Agriculture and Rural Development: Agriculture is the pillar of the Indian economy, and a significant portion of the population relies on agriculture for livelihood. The Union Budget 2025-26 brings a series of initiatives to promote agricultural productivity, rural infrastructure, and farmer welfare.
- PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana: The scheme will improve irrigation facilities in 100 districts, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers. The scheme will give farmers more access to irrigation, thereby improving productivity and income.
- National Mission on Pulses and Vegetables: The government will implement a six-year mission to make India pulse self-sufficient, and it will target crops such as tur, masoor, and urad dal. This will reduce India’s reliance on imports and improve indigenous production of these critical crops.
- Cotton Productivity Mission: A five-year mission to enhance cotton productivity will be initiated, along with the setting up of a Makhana board in Bihar to enhance niche agriculture products. This will give farmers greater access to technology and agriculture practices.
- National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds: The mission will emphasize enhancing the quality of seeds, which will probably result in higher yields throughout the country, enhancing food security and farmers’ incomes.
Also, a new scheme will begin utilizing fish resources from India’s exclusive economic zones and open seas. The scheme will be specifically addressing the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, promoting sustainable fishing and assisting rural community income growth.
3. Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) :
The loan limit under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme has been increased to Rs 5 lakh from the earlier Rs 3 lakh by the government in order to improve financial accessibility of farmers. The enhancement would thus provide more liquidity to the farmer, thereby improving his capacity to manage agricultural activities, particularly when drought strikes or crops are failed.
4. Tax Reforms: Its impact on the Salaried Class
One of the major components of the Union Budget 2025-26 is the revision of tax structures, through which salaried taxpayers are going to see significant relief. Key provisions include:
Income Tax Exemption: The tax exemption limit for salaried individuals has been increased, with adjustments in tax slabs that are expected to benefit middle-income earners. These changes are likely to increase the disposable income of the salaried class, which will increase consumption and improve household sentiment.
Standard Deduction: Under the Budget, the standard deduction is to be increased from the existing Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. This amendment will reduce the tax burden of the middle-class and will keep more money with them for saving and spending on other goods.
These tax reform measures are targeting the reduction in the tax burden of the middle class, with an increase in disposable income as well as raising domestic demand-the result of this is expected to boost overall growth.
5. Incentives to boost Digital Infrastructure and Retail Growth
The Budget has in place several initiatives that would fortify India’s digital infrastructure while promoting the retail sector, which continues to flourish significantly.
Digital Infrastructure: The government will continue to support initiatives like Digital India, aimed at improving digital connectivity and infrastructure across the country. This will enable the growth of e-commerce, digital services, and online retail, creating a more level playing field between online and offline retailers.
National Retail Trade Policy: The government will unveil a new policy to be in place that provides a regulatory framework and lessens the burden on retailers while spurring sectoral growth. This is bound to open up the sector further to expansion by small and medium-sized retailers, leading to further investment.
6. Fiscal Deficit and Economic Growth Projections
Despite the ambitious spending plans, the government has still projected a fiscal deficit of 5.8% of GDP for the fiscal year 2025-26. This figure is higher than the target set for the previous year but still reflects the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and welfare schemes. The Budget remains optimistic about a growth rate of 7.5% in 2025-26 through increased public spending, private investments, and consumption-led growth.
7. Employment and Labour Reforms
Employment generation and labour market reforms are significant aspects of Union Budget 2025-26. Such significant provisions include:
Employee Linked Incentives: The introduction of performance-based schemes is expected to create job opportunities in both sectors. Such incentives will attract businesses to hire more employees and improve workforce productivity.
Clarification about Central Labour Codes: The recent introduction of novel central labour codes will provide proper guidance to corporate houses, enable them to straighten out various processes, and help them stick to labour standards better. Better labour market and greater job security for the workmen will prevail.
8. Consumer Behavior/Lifestyle
Disposal income in the hands of consumers and discretionary spending will definitely be impacted. A few reasons why consumer’s behavior is very important are:-
Income Tax Changes: Change in the tax slabs or rates will directly be reflected in the take-home pay of salaried persons that will put more money into consumers’ pockets.
Deduction/Exemptions Modification: Change in deductions and exemptions will increase savings possibility, thus increasing disposable income, which in turn leads to higher consumption.
Sectoral Incentives: Sector-specific incentives in agriculture, retail, and technology sectors will result in greater wages and employment that will increase consumer spending in these particular sectors.
This is mainly attributed to improved access to digital services, along with increased disposable income and infrastructural development, thus increasing the overall consumption level of the economy.
New Tax Slabs for Financial Year 2025-26
| Income Range | Tax Rate (2025-26) |
| Up to ₹12 lakh | Nil |
| ₹12,00,001 to ₹15 lakh | 15% |
| ₹15,00,001 to ₹20 lakh | 20% |
| ₹20,00,001 to ₹25 lakh | 25% |
| Above ₹25 lakh | 30% |
Key Changes:
Tax Exemption up to ₹12 Lakh: Income up to ₹12 lakh is not taxed, and this really is a huge tax relief for the vast majority of taxpayers in that range.
- 15% Tax Slab: Individuals earning between ₹12 lakh and ₹15 lakh will be subject to a tax rate of 15%.
- 20% Tax Slab: Between ₹15 lakh and ₹20 lakh, income will be taxed at 20%.
- 25% Tax Slab: There is now a new tax of 25% for income above ₹20 lakh but less than ₹25 lakh.
- 30% Tax Rate for Income above ₹25 Lakh: Income above ₹25 lakh will continue to be taxed at 30%
This is a simplification of the tax structure and brings ease to middle-income groups in substantial ways, while dynamically taxing high and higher income in a higher taxation rate.
Key Highlights of Budget 2025-26
| Sector | Provision/Initiative | Impact |
| MSMEs | Credit cover increased to Rs 10 crore for micro and small enterprises | Enhanced access to credit for business growth and expansion |
| Loan scheme for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs with Rs 2 crore loans | Support for first-time entrepreneurs from marginalized groups | |
| Agriculture | PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana to enhance irrigation in 100 districts | Improved farm productivity and rural prosperity |
| National Mission for self-reliance in pulses, vegetables, and fruits | Boost to domestic production of key crops | |
| Kisan Credit Cards loan limit increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh | Increased financial support for farmers | |
| Taxation | Higher exemption limits and standard deductions for salaried taxpayers | Increased disposable income for the middle class |
| Digital Infrastructure | Continued support for Digital India initiatives | Improved e-commerce, retail, and digital services |
| Employment | Employee-linked incentives and clarification on labor codes | Job creation and improved labor market conditions |
Agriculture and Rural Development
- The flagship initiative is PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojna, which will be implemented in 100 districts of low agricultural yields and benefit 1.7 crore farmers. This will enable farmers to adopt advanced agricultural practices, improve productivity, and get better markets for their produce.
- Setting up a specialized Makhana Board in Bihar with the objective to improve the production and processing of the fox nut, which has been identified as an important cash crop. Local farmers are also expected to get the benefits as well as facilitate export.
- Interest Subvention on Kisan Credit Cards: The interest subvention scheme for Kisan Credit Cards has been increased, and the limit has been enhanced to ₹5 lakh from ₹3 lakh. This will ensure easy access of credit by farmers for running their businesses. It would optimize their operational costs and help improve agricultural productivity.
- Support for Farmer Self-Sufficiency: This scheme, Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojna, would result in enhanced exports from agriculture; besides that, it would curb emigration towards metro cities by encouraging self-sufficiency among rural masses.
MSMEs and Industry
MSMEs should act as the backbone of Indian growth, especially for the manufacturing sector under the Make in India initiative. The aim is to mobilize all types of industries, from micro and small to large-scale industries-from solar PV cells to electrolysers and grid-scale batteries-to create a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem that can cater to domestic needs and export to global markets.
- Toy Manufacturing: The charge to make India the numero uno hub of toy manufacturing will unleash the MSMEs’ creativity and innovation. An MSME would create toys that are special and of good quality. Thus India would be the place for all the international toy brands and manufacturers.
- Footwear and Leather Sector: The new scheme in the footwear and leather sector is expected to create a whopping 22 lakh jobs, a turnover of ₹4 lakh crore, and exports of ₹1.1 lakh crore.
- Export Credit and MSME Support: The Export Promotion Mission will enhance export credit, provide cross-border factoring support, and assist MSMEs in disputes involving non-tariff barriers within international markets. This would usher a promising era for MSMEs within the global market.
- BharatTradeNet: The unified digital platform, BharatTradeNet, will streamline trade document financing solutions in India and thus improve its competitiveness in international trade by reducing administrative burdens and improving financial accessibility.
Infrastructure Development and PPP
The three-year pipeline of infrastructure projects under the government will be implemented in the PPP mode. The states will be given interest-free loans of ₹1.5 lakh crore for the infrastructure projects. The ministries responsible for infrastructure have been assigned the task of developing a 3-year plan for PPP projects, and this would help pave the way for constructing modern, efficient infrastructure across the country.
- A Centre of Excellence for AI in Education shall be established, with an outlay of ₹500 crore to make India a global player in the still-growing field of artificial intelligence.
- Expansion of IITs: With the establishment of IITs post-2015, additional infrastructure shall provide for 6,500 extra students in five IITs.
- Medical Education: The FM has also proposed adding 10,000 additional medical seats in the country’s medical colleges from the next year, increasing access to quality health care education and easing the acute shortage of medical professionals in the country.
- National Centres of Excellence for Skilling: Five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling will be set up with a focus on providing skills among youth so they can benefit globally.
Social Welfare and Empowerment Programmes
- Women and Children Empowerment:
The Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 will empower women and children by providing crucial nutritional support to 8 crore children, 1 crore mothers, and 20 lakh adolescent girls, targeting lactating women, adolescent girls, and children.
A scheme of ₹5 lakh has been proposed for women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes to increase credit access and help in entrepreneurship.
- Daycare Cancer Centres: The government plans to open daycare cancer centers in all the district hospitals in the next three years. These will be significant support systems for cancer patients who live in the rural areas.
- Gig Workers: To cater to the needs of the gig economy, 1 crore gig workers will be registered on the e-Shram portal so that they can also get identity cards and other social security benefits.
- Atal Tinkering Labs – 50,000 of them will come up in the next five years so that scientific temper among youngsters can be developed through promotion of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.
Transport, Tourism, and Health
- Modified UDAN Scheme: The UDAN scheme would be expanded connecting 120 destinations and helping 4 crore additional passengers in the next 10 years, thereby making air travel accessible to all.
- Nuclear Mission: A ₹20,000-crore nuclear mission would be initiated to promote small modular reactors and their development with private players so that energy security and technological self-sufficiency are ensured.
- India Post Transformation: India Post would be converted into a public logistics organization. There would be around 1.5 lakh rural post offices acted as catalysts of the rural economy.
- Tourism Development: The government will focus on developing 50 major tourist sites in collaboration with states and Mudra loans would be extended to facilitate better tourism infrastructure through homestays.
Conclusion:
The Union Budget 2025-26 is a strategic roadmap for stimulating India’s economic growth, boosting agricultural and rural development, supporting MSMEs, and providing relief to the salaried class. By focusing on inclusive growth and targeting resources to marginalized groups, the Budget seeks to ensure that the benefits of economic development are shared equitably. Key provisions such as enhanced access to credit, targeted schemes for women and marginalized communities, and investments in critical sectors like agriculture and digital infrastructure lay the foundation for a more resilient, equitable economy.
While the proposed fiscal deficit is higher than expected, the government remains optimistic about achieving a 7.5% growth rate in 2025-26, driven by increased public expenditure, private investment, and consumer-driven growth. The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a significant step in India’s journey toward sustained economic growth, social inclusion, and prosperity for all its citizens.