Budget 2025 expectations LIVE updates: Tarun Singh, Founder & MD, Highbrow Securities said, “As we approach the new budget, I’m excited to see how the government builds on the momentum of previous years to drive growth in India’s MSME sector. Sustaining this momentum is crucial, with a focus on bridging the swelling debt funding gap that persists for SMEs. Enhancing credit accessibility and simplifying IPO listing procedures will offer vital support. Furthermore, by introducing targeted interest subvention schemes, the government can significantly reduce operational costs. Together, these measures will strengthen the global competitiveness of our MSMEs, ensuring they continue to thrive and grow. To take it to the next level, I’d like to see the budget introduce innovative funding models and asset-light strategies that promote corporate governance and financial transparency. Policy incentives, including tax reliefs, sector-specific subsidies, and support for digital transformation, will be crucial in driving sustainable growth and long-term value creation. Considering the current economic landscape, I think the budget should also focus on infrastructure development, job creation, and ease of doing business. Consider the expectations of various industry sectors, such as the automotive industry, which is looking for funding and incentives for EV infrastructure, service centers, and tax credits for green technology. The real estate sector is hoping for progressive reforms that benefit homebuyers and the industry, including increased tax exemption limits on interest payments on home loans and reduced stamp duty charges As we look to the future, I’m confident that the Union Budget will empower MSMEs, bolster India’s economic framework, and present high-growth opportunities for investors. With the government’s focus on fiscal prudence and growth-driven policies, I’m optimistic that the budget will strike the right balance to drive India’s economic trajectory forward.”

Budget 2025 expectations LIVE updates: Peush Jain, MD-Commercial Leasing and Advisory at Anarock Group said, “The office sector growth is expected to stay buoyant with supply to touch a billion sq.ft. by the end of the 2025 with record leasing activity led by GCCs and flex space operators. The Budget must focus on not just maintaining India’s growth momentum but also initiating reforms that will aid India’s attractiveness as an investment destination for both domestic and foreign companies. Input tax credit on fit-outs, review of depreciation and amortisation rates for assets on the backdrop of larger adoption or AI and incentivising new technology sectors would fuel the office demand evenly across the country.”

Budget 2025 expectations LIVE updates: Neha Parikh, Vice President & Sector Head of Financial Sector Ratings, ICRA Limited said, “Given the weak solvency position of the PSU general insurance companies, the announcement related to budgetary allocation for their recapitalisation will be positive. Further, given the low penetration of the insurance segment, the government can announce measures to incentivize the penetration, especially for the lower ticket size policies.”

Budget 2025 expectations LIVE updates: Mahesh Krishnamoorthy, Managing Director of Core Integra said, “As we approach the Union Budget 2025, the business community expects simplification of regulations, lesser penal provisions, single window clearances and digitalization of compliances. This will not only enable ease of complying but bring higher transparency and better governance. One of the key expectations is the implementation of the new labour codes which will bring about a significant transformation in the manner in which labour law compliances are done today. Not only will it consolidate and simplify the regulations but ensure better adherence. It would also pave way for integrated platforms for digital submissions. It is anticipated that the budget will mention at least a phased roll out starting with the Code on Wages and Social Security. The new Wage code will also take care of benefits and better governance of the unstructured workforce thereby fostering collaborative and resilient business environment as we moved towards a GDP of USD 5 trillion.

From the industry perspective, the expectations would be to initiate steps towards simplification of labour laws, digitalization of compliances and enhanced transparency in licensing and registration processes. From an individual’s perspective, the expectations would include lesser complexity in direct tax slab rates, eliminate surcharge & cess, increase in the sec. 80 C limits, higher housing loan interest benefit under sec. 24 and exclusion of housing loan principal, stamp duty and registration expenses from sec. 80C to an independent benefit section. It would also be a positive move if the Budget announces some additional benefits or concessions to tax payers.”