The financial budget of India is an annual financial statement presented by the government outlining its estimated revenue and expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year. It is a key tool for economic planning, aiming to manage public finances, allocate resources efficiently, and promote growth.
The budget impacts various sectors, from taxation to welfare schemes, influencing the nation’s economic health. People should be aware of it as it affects their daily lives, including tax policies, subsidies, and government spending on public services. Understanding the budget helps citizens make informed financial decisions and understand the government’s economic priorities.
Key Highlights of Budget 2025-26
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26 on February 1, 2025, with a strong focus on aligning with the government’s “Viksit Bharat” vision for 2047. The budget is expected to address growth concerns, job creation, and investment-driven growth, with an emphasis on programs like Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and expanding the production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes. Experts anticipate key focus areas will include infrastructure, job creation, and sectoral support for industries like FMCG, automobiles, and renewable energy.
Infrastructure Investments Take Center Stage
According to Axis Securities, infrastructure will be a major priority in the 2025-26 Budget, with a particular focus on roads, railways, metro systems, and airports. The brokerage expects the government to increase capital expenditure by 15-17%, bringing the total expenditure to around Rs 11-11.5 trillion.
Allocations to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and railways are expected to rise by 10-11%. Additionally, the State Bank of India (SBI) suggests that the government could explore alternative financing mechanisms, such as Tax-Free Bonds, to fund infrastructure projects more efficiently.
Boosting Consumption Through Digital and MSME Support
Axis Securities also expects the Budget to address the need for spurring consumption by investing in digital infrastructure, skill development, and MSME growth. By focusing on enhancing farm income and supporting job creation, the government is likely to make moves that boost domestic consumption. In line with this, SBI highlights the need for further rationalization of indirect taxes, which could help smoothen consumption activity. Additionally, there are speculations about potential revisions in income tax slabs to ease the financial burden on individuals.
Automobile and Electric Vehicle Incentives
The automobile sector is hoping for measures that will stimulate demand, including the reduction of GST on hybrid vehicles, which is currently taxed at 28%. Motilal Oswal suggests that a simplified GST structure for vehicles and auto components would ease compliance for the sector.
Furthermore, the industry is advocating for incentives aimed at developing a robust electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, especially in the area of battery production, along with an extension of FAME-III subsidies beyond March 2025 to support the transition to cleaner mobility.
Affordable Housing and Real Estate Support
The real estate sector is hopeful for tax benefits aimed at promoting affordable housing. Axis Securities anticipates that the government may revise the interest payment deduction under Section 24(b) from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, providing additional relief to homebuyers.
The brokerage also expects the reinstatement of the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and a reduction in stamp duties. Meanwhile, SBI is urging the government to align the definition of affordable housing with Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms, particularly in metro cities, where homes priced up to Rs 65 lakh are considered affordable.
Focus on Healthcare and Renewable Energy
Axis Securities anticipates that the pharmaceutical sector will benefit from policies that promote research, streamline regulations, and encourage investments in healthcare. Measures could include improved patent filing processes and increased incentives for R&D. Motilal Oswal suggests that a policy for refurbished medical devices could also be introduced to improve healthcare accessibility in underserved regions.
For the renewable energy sector, Axis Securities expects continued support through extensions to the PLI scheme for solar energy, increased funding for rooftop solar, and advancements in energy storage solutions, all aimed at meeting India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030.
Written By: Dipangshu Kundu
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