The Union Budget 2025 has introduced several key measures that impact various industries, from real estate and healthcare to startups, EVs, and agriculture. Experts from different sectors share their thoughts on how these budget decisions will shape growth, improve accessibility, and drive innovation in India.
Mr. Amit Jain Chairman and Managing director of Arkade Developers Limited
“The recent budget introduces significant measures poised to invigorate the real estate sector. Allowing taxpayers to claim two self-occupied properties and increasing the TDS threshold on rent to ₹6 lakhs from ₹2.4 lakh per annum are commendable steps in the real estate sector. The revised personal income tax structure, with no tax up to ₹12 lakhs, offers substantial relief to the middle class, potentially boosting housing demand. Continued infrastructure investments and improved connectivity in metros and Tier 1 & 2 cities can unlock new development opportunities, strengthening the sector and supporting sustainable growth in the industry”
Dr. Hardik Ajmera, Medical Director, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai
The budget is a holistically defined approach that exactly addresses some of the most critical pain points of the healthcare sector, thus contributing to the nation’s march towards emerging as Viksit Bharat. The move to introduce 200 day-care cancer centers is a stellar step against battling cancer that will take India to global stage, and will especially be of immense benefit to the rural counterpart and Economically Weaker Section of the country.
Along with this, the move to exempt life-saving drugs and provide concession on custom duties on another 6 will significantly reduce the burden on patients dealing with cancer, rare diseases and chronic conditions, enabling quality treatment and reducing the fatality rate.
India is already a revered destination for medical tourism and with collaborative efforts between the government and private sector, we foresee a robust outcome that will benefit the Indian economy by attracting foreign patients to India for treatment by proposing easier visa norms and facilities. Overall, the 2025 budget has defined the pace and outline for India’s journey towards becoming self-reliant and we look forward to many more revolutionary measures in times to come.
Pratip Majumdar (Partner, Inflexor Venture)
“A ₹10,000 crore infusion into a new Fund of Funds announced by Finance Minister Sitharaman alongside tailored schemes for female entrepreneurs & first-time entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, is exactly the kind of bold step India needs to fuel the next wave of disruptive startups. Access to capital has long been a roadblock, and by moderating guarantee fees and doubling credit limits for startups, the government is signaling strong intent to de-risk early-stage ventures. We see immense potential in sectors like clean tech manufacturing where policy support under the National Manufacturing Mission will further India’s ‘Make in India’ vision while driving long-term, sustainable growth.”
Mr. Raj Gore, CEO, Healthcare Global Enterprises Limited & Lead FICCI Cancer task force on Union Budget 2025
“The 2025 budget presents a series of promising initiatives that will significantly impact cancer care in India. The full exemption of customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs, including cancer medications, is a key highlight. This will lower the cost of critical treatments, making them more accessible to a wider range of patients, and help address the financial burden that many families face when fighting cancer and other severe illnesses.”
“The announcement of establishing 200 daycare cancer centres in district hospitals by FY 2025-26 is another crucial step towards decentralizing cancer care. This initiative will help bridge the gap in accessibility, especially in rural and remote areas, ensuring that more patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment without the need to travel long distances.”
“Additionally, the push for promoting medical tourism under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative is a strategic move to elevate India’s position as a global healthcare destination. By easing the visa process and partnering with the private sector, India can attract more international patients, benefiting both our healthcare system and economy.”
“The budget also promises 10,000 additional UG and PG medical education seats next year, with a goal of 75,000 new seats over the next five years. This expansion will help address the shortage of medical professionals and support the growing demand for specialized cancer care.”
“These measures reflect a strong commitment to improving cancer care infrastructure, reducing treatment costs, and enhancing India’s global healthcare impact. The budget is a positive step towards accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
Mr. Behram Khodaiji, CEO, Ruby Hall Clinic Pune
“The Union Budget 2025 introduces commendable measures to strengthen India’s healthcare system, particularly in cancer care and affordability of life-saving treatments. The plan to set up daycare cancer centers in district hospitals and 200 dedicated cancer hospitals by 2026 will decentralize care, reducing the burden on metropolitan hospitals and making critical treatments more accessible. However, ensuring these centers are well-equipped with skilled professionals and advanced technology will be key to their success.”
“The exemption of basic customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs and concessional rates on six more is a crucial step in reducing treatment costs for patients battling cancer, rare diseases, and chronic illnesses. Additionally, waiving customs duty on medicines provided through patient assistance programs is a progressive move, expanding access to essential drugs for those in financial distress. With 37 new medicines and 13 more patient assistance programs added, this initiative will significantly benefit underprivileged patients. However, it is vital to ensure transparency and efficiency in the implementation of these programs so that the support reaches those who need it most.”
“The government’s focus on medical tourism and ‘heal in India’ initiative, with relaxed visa norms and private sector collaboration, will strengthen India’s position as a global healthcare destination. To capitalize on this, investment in infrastructure, quality care, and seamless patient experiences must be prioritized, ensuring India remains competitive in the international healthcare market.”
Mr. Sanjay Shirodkar, Co-Founder, Wavar
“The Union Budget 2025-26 reinforces the government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. The introduction of the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the enhanced credit support for farmers are welcome steps that will drive innovation and technology adoption in the sector. As a company dedicated to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions, we see these initiatives as catalysts for a more resilient and eco-friendly agricultural ecosystem. By prioritizing sustainability, the budget lays the foundation for long-term agricultural growth, ensuring better productivity and profitability for farmers.”
Shivam Narang, Managing Director, Khalsa E-Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.
“The Union Budget 2025 laid a strong foundation for India’s EV future. By fostering domestic manufacturing, easing battery costs, and promoting clean technology, the government has set the stage for long-term, sustainable growth. The focus on grid-scale batteries will help stabilise the renewable energy grid, ensuring that EVs can be powered by clean energy sources.
The exemption of basic customs duty on lithium-ion battery scrap is another commendable move. It promotes a circular economy by making battery recycling more viable, reducing reliance on fresh raw material imports, and decreasing production costs and environmental impact.
However, to ensure widespread EV adoption, further policy interventions around charging networks, financing models, and end-user incentives will be crucial. If these aspects are addressed in parallel, India has the potential to become a global leader in EV innovation and clean mobility solutions.”
