Sat Feb 01 07:31:35 IST 2025: **India’s Budget 2025: Expectations High for Agriculture, Tech, and Infrastructure**

NEW DELHI – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present India’s Union Budget 2025 on February 1st, marking her eighth consecutive budget presentation – a record. The budget is anticipated to address several key areas, balancing fiscal consolidation with economic growth amidst rising inflation.

A significant focus is expected on the agriculture sector, with potential tax reforms including a phased-out old tax regime and possibly zero income tax for individuals earning less than ₹10 lakh annually. However, these proposals remain unconfirmed.

Several industries have voiced their expectations:

* **Real Estate:** The sector hopes for “industry” status, increased funding for affordable housing, higher home loan tax deduction limits, and adjustments to capital gains tax rules.
* **Tourism:** The industry seeks infrastructure development, especially in Tier II and III cities, incentives for tech adoption (AI, IoT, VR), and streamlined licensing and GST structures. Easing visa policies is also a key request.
* **E-commerce:** Simplification of taxes and regulations, easing compliance, and strengthening digital infrastructure are priorities, including relaxing the Physical Place of Business (PPOB) requirement for online sellers.
* **FMCG:** The sector anticipates measures to address inflation, boost rural consumption, simplify GST, and support R&D and sustainability initiatives.
* **Infrastructure:** Continued investment in water supply, metro systems, renewable energy (including green hydrogen), and smart city initiatives are desired, along with skill development programs.
* **Healthcare:** The industry is pushing for rationalized customs duties on medical equipment and essential medicines, lower input GST for hospitals, and increased investment in healthcare infrastructure.
* **Manufacturing:** Several sectors, including consumer durables, electronics, and agrochemicals, seek reduced tax burdens, simplified GST rates, and support for the “Make in India” initiative. Specific requests include lower GST on helmets and incentives for EV battery manufacturing.
* **Technology:** The startup ecosystem desires expanded subsidies, simplified filing processes, and incentives to address sectorial pay gaps. Increased funding for GIS and space tech applications for governance are also sought. Further support for the drone industry, including tax exemptions and regulatory clarity is hoped for.

Overall, Budget 2025 is expected to address critical issues impacting various sectors, focusing on sustainable growth, technological advancement, and improved infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and smaller cities. The extent to which these expectations are met will be crucial in shaping India’s economic trajectory in the coming year.

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