Mon Jan 27 12:27:20 UTC 2025: ## India Awaits Finance Minister Sitharaman’s Budget 2025

**New Delhi, January 28, 2025** – All eyes are on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she prepares to deliver her eighth Union Budget speech on February 1st, 2025, at 11 am in the Lok Sabha. The budget, which will be broadcast live on Doordarshan, Sansad TV, government YouTube channels, and Livemint.com, is highly anticipated across various sectors.

Corporate India is seeking significant tax reforms, including lower GST rates and regulatory updates to boost economic growth and create jobs. The middle class is also hoping for tax relief amidst current economic conditions. Specific requests include increased investment in infrastructure, particularly port connectivity and transportation networks to improve supply chain efficiency. Simplification of GST compliance and customs processes are also key demands from businesses.

Several industry leaders have voiced their expectations. The food processing sector seeks increased financial incentives and subsidies for sustainable technologies. The logistics industry hopes for investment in infrastructure and a unified GST slab structure. The real estate sector anticipates measures to stimulate growth and address affordable housing challenges. Other sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, and the startup ecosystem, also have specific requests for the budget, ranging from improved affordability of healthcare to increased funding for female entrepreneurs and support for the growth of the health and fitness industry.

The Budget session of Parliament will run from January 31st to February 13th, and resume from March 10th to April 4th. Despite being a Saturday, the BSE and NSE will remain open on February 1st due to the budget presentation. The budget is expected to address immediate economic challenges while laying the groundwork for long-term sustainable growth.

Read More