With a day left for the Union Budget 2025 presentation, anticipation is high across industry sectors, expert circles, and the general public. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Budget speech in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, February 1, at 11 a.m. The Budget for the financial year 2025-26 comes at a critical juncture characterized by subdued economic momentum, a weakening rupee, and global geopolitical uncertainties.
Traditional Halwa Ceremony Marks the Start of Budget Printing
In keeping with tradition, the finance ministry conducted the ceremonial halwa ritual on Friday at North Block in Delhi to mark the commencement of Budget printing. .
Focus Areas for Budget 2025
Recent economic conditions, including inflation without corresponding salary increases, have constrained consumer spending. To counter this, the Budget is expected to introduce measures aimed at increasing disposable income and stimulating economic activity through enhanced public spending.
High expectations surround potential revised tax slabs that could alleviate the financial burden on individuals, especially the middle class, encouraging greater consumer spending and investment.
Key measures likely to feature in the Budget include:
Capital Expenditure Growth: Enhanced allocations for infrastructure projects to stimulate economic activity and generate employment opportunities.
Consumption Support: Initiatives to boost consumer spending amid rising inflation and stagnant incomes.
Tax Breaks for the Middle Class: Relief measures to increase disposable income and ease the financial burden on households.
With inflation significantly impacting essential sectors—roti (food), kapada (clothing), and makaan (housing)—the Budget is also expected to address affordability challenges through subsidies, structural reforms, and expanded job creation programs.
Rupee Stability and Economic Policies
Amid recent fluctuations in the rupee, which closed at 86.52 against the dollar on Tuesday, measures to support the currency are anticipated. Economists predict proposals to boost exports and attract foreign deposits, alongside relaxed interest rate caps on bank deposits. However, significant NRI deposit mobilization, akin to past efforts in 2013, is unlikely.
The Reserve Bank of India’s recent liquidity infusion of ₹1.5 lakh crore, combined with bond purchase initiatives, should alleviate stress in money markets. These steps are expected to support rupee stability and signal the government’s commitment to economic resilience.
Budget Session and Live Streaming
The Budget Session of Parliament begins on January 31, concluding on April 4. President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint session of Parliament on the opening day.
Viewers can catch the live telecast of the Budget speech on Sansad TV and DD News, with live streams available on the Sansad TV YouTube channel.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Finance Minister Sitharaman faces the dual challenge of balancing fiscal prudence with the need for growth-oriented policies. This Budget is expected to prioritize economic growth in line with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
Comments