Union Budget 2025: Empowering Startups, Real Estate, Education, and More
From bolstering early-stage startups to promoting sustainability in real estate and addressing the urgent need for modern infrastructure in education, the Union Budget 2025 presents a unique opportunity to shape India's economic future. Industry leaders s
Union Budget 2025StartupsReal EstateEducationRenewable EnergyReal EstateJan 29, 2025
Leaders from various sectors are urging the government to craft a forward-thinking budget that fosters innovation, simplifies regulations, and supports inclusive growth.
This budget has the potential to transform India into a global leader in innovation, technology, AI, green energy, and sustainable development.
Empowering Startups
Ankur Srivastava, Founder of QI Media Network, emphasizes the importance of the Union Budget in bridging the gap between startup aspirations and reality.
To achieve this, the budget should focus on fostering policy awareness through targeted campaigns, simplifying incubation access via centralized platforms, and reducing bureaucracy with single-window clearances.
Expanding funding, incentivizing regional inclusion through Tier 2/3 incubation centers, and enabling global scaling with export benefits are crucial steps.
By investing in infrastructure, promoting public-private partnerships, and regularly refining policies based on feedback, the budget can create a thriving, inclusive, and globally competitive startup ecosystem.
Promoting Sustainability in Real Estate
Mr.
Sunil Pareek, Executive Director of Assetz Property Group, highlights the vital role of the real estate sector in India’s economic development.
To unlock its next phase of growth, the budget must address long-term demands such as granting industry status to the sector, implementing a single-window approval system, and providing input tax credits to developers.
The sector is also crucial in supporting India's commitment to Net Zero by 2070.
Policymakers should incentivize developers who are creating environmentally conscious projects, which will also increase the adoption of emerging technologies and innovative construction techniques.
The real estate sector is poised to reach $1 trillion in market value by 2030, and with the right support, it can achieve this ambitious target.
Modernizing School Infrastructure
Jasmeet Singh Chhabra, Co-Founder of Crimson Schools, underscores the growing need for modern infrastructure in the school education sector.
With over 4 billion sq.
ft.
of additional educational space required by 2034-35, the Union Budget 2025 must address these issues through targeted reforms and investments.
A key expectation is a shift to lease-based models for school infrastructure, which can reduce the capital-intensive nature of setting up new schools and free up resources to enhance teaching quality and student engagement.
Another pressing issue is the 18% GST on affiliation and accreditation services, which significantly strains institutions.
Reducing this tax rate would provide relief and allow schools to allocate more funds toward improving physical and digital infrastructure.
Sustainability must also take center stage, and incentivizing these efforts through tax breaks and subsidies will encourage schools to embrace sustainability and contribute to long-term cost savings and environmental resilience.
Fiscal Conservatism and Export-friendly Policies
Ramanath Manchala, Founder of Nou Expertise, stresses the need for India to embrace fiscal conservatism to move from deficits to surpluses, which will help control inflation and strengthen the economy for the future.
While the rupee’s recent depreciation may give exports a competitive edge, more export-friendly policies, alongside deregulation in key areas like manufacturing and labor laws, are essential to unlock the full potential of India’s industries and compete globally.
Green Energy and Climate Consciousness
Ms.
Tanya Singhal, Founder of Mynzo Carbon & SolarArise, highlights the government’s consistent push to achieve the Net Zero target by 2070 and promote climate consciousness.
However, more needs to be done, especially in introducing robust incentivization schemes to promote climate-conscious behavior among the masses.
For instance, a 'Climate-Conscious Consumption' tax rebate, offering up to ₹25,000 annual tax deduction for individuals adopting certified energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy solutions, could be a powerful motivator.
The lack of talent in the renewable industry is also a pressing issue.
The government should urgently launch a ₹1,000 crore 'Renewable Workforce Training Program' to train and support 100,000 workers in coal factories with skills that can make them employable across the renewable value chain, especially during plant construction.
Empowering Women in Finance
Mr.
Abhishek Dev, Co-founder & CEO of Epsilon Money, sees Union Budget 2025 as a critical opportunity to empower women in finance.
By implementing tax incentives for women entrepreneurs, incentivizing capital expenditure investments, streamlining FDI approvals through a 'one-window' approach, and rationalizing the STT and capital gains tax structures, the budget can deepen market participation and invigorate economic momentum.
Incentivizing participation in the economy via equity investments and expanding foreign investors' access to domestic debt markets will enhance market vibrancy.
Securing the Future of Seniors
Mr.
Adarsh Narahari, Founder and Managing Director of Primus Senior Living, advocates for policies that ensure the security, dignity, and joy of India's seniors.
Reforming reverse mortgages can give them financial freedom, and rationalizing GST for senior care services is not just about economics—it's about compassion.
These measures are a moral imperative for creating a sustainable and caring ecosystem for the elderly, honoring their legacy while securing their well-being.
Innovation in Medical Technology
Dr.
Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of SS Innovations, emphasizes the need for innovation in medical technology, especially homegrown solutions.
Government support for Indian innovation, particularly through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, will help make medical technologies both affordable and accessible to the masses.
Revisiting import duties on critical components and investing in domestic production can strengthen the medical technology sector, positioning India as a global leader.
Technology as the Backbone of Growth
Salman Shaikh, Founder of The Webmark, believes the Union Budget must prioritize technology as the backbone of India’s growth.
Investing in AI, blockchain, and digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, incentivizing R&D, and simplifying technology transfers can enable startups to leverage cutting-edge tech.
Expanding digital access, promoting upskilling, and supporting green technology will position India as a global leader in the digital economy, driving sustainable development and inclusive progress.
Aligning the Workforce with Global Opportunities
Mohammed Fayaaz, Founder of Triumphs of Talent (ToT), sees Budget 2025 as a pivotal moment for India's economic landscape.
Investments in upskilling and digital transformation will be crucial to aligning India’s workforce with global opportunities.
Simplifying compliance, incentivizing startups, and driving sustainable growth can position India as a global leader in talent and technology.
In conclusion, Union Budget 2025 holds the potential to drive transformative growth across India’s key sectors.
By prioritizing innovation, simplifying regulations, and investing in infrastructure, the budget can empower startups, promote sustainability, and create inclusive opportunities for all.
With the right support, India can build a resilient, globally competitive economy that aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, positioning the nation for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key expectations for startups in Union Budget 2025?
Key expectations for startups include fostering policy awareness, simplifying incubation access, reducing bureaucracy, expanding funding, incentivizing regional inclusion, and enabling global scaling. These measures aim to create a thriving, inclusive, and globally competitive startup ecosystem.
How can the real estate sector support India's commitment to Net Zero by 2070?
The real estate sector can support India's Net Zero commitment by incentivizing developers to create environmentally conscious projects, promoting sustainability, and adopting emerging technologies and innovative construction techniques. Policies should encourage these efforts through tax breaks and subsidies.
What initiatives are needed to modernize school infrastructure?
To modernize school infrastructure, the Union Budget 2025 should address the need for additional educational space, shift to lease-based models, reduce the 18% GST on affiliation and accreditation services, and incentivize sustainability through tax breaks and subsidies.
How can the budget help in achieving fiscal conservatism and export-friendly policies?
The budget can help achieve fiscal conservatism by moving from deficits to surpluses, which will control inflation. It can also implement more export-friendly policies and deregulate key areas like manufacturing and labor laws to unlock the full potential of India's industries and compete globally.
What measures can be taken to empower women in finance?
To empower women in finance, the budget can implement tax incentives for women entrepreneurs, incentivize capital expenditure investments, streamline FDI approvals, and rationalize the STT and capital gains tax structures. Incentivizing participation in the economy via equity investments and expanding foreign investors' access to domestic debt markets will further enhance market vibrancy.
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