• Source:JND
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Union Budget 2025: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the budget for the financial year 2025-26 on the floor of parliament in February, a day after the Budget session of Parliament begins on January 31. For the past few weeks, the Finance Minister has conducted a series of meetings with experts from various stakeholders from finance, healthcare, MSME, representatives of public organisations, technology, infrastructure and other sectors, including industry leaders, to seek their advice for the forthcoming budget.

Meanwhile, as the Union Budget 2025 is drawing near, stakeholders from the MSME sector have expressed demands and expectations from the upcoming budget.

Ravi Saxena, Wonderchef Co-Founder & Managing Director, has urged the government to prioritise reduction in compliance burdens.

"MSMEs are urging the Union Budget 2025-26 to prioritize reduction in compliance burdens, enhancing export incentives and expanding the PLI scheme to drive manufacturing growth. The industry also seeks tax reforms and better access to essential inputs like steel, aluminium and plastics. Speedier dispute resolution mechanisms are critical for improving competitiveness and unlocking Indian business potential in domestic and global markets," said Ravi Saxena.

"However, the declining share of consumer spending in GDP is a pressing concern that demands attention. A strong focus on boosting consumer spending can stimulate demand across industries, encouraging production, investment, and job creation. This creates a virtuous cycle of growth, reinforcing the industrial ecosystem while complementing government-led initiatives. By nurturing consumer confidence and spending power, the economy can achieve more balanced and resilient GDP growth, driven by both public and private momentum," he added.

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Ankit Kumar, CEO, of Skye Air demanded that the government should announce measures that can boost the adoption of drones across the sector.

“We envision Bharat emerging as a global drone hub by 2030, and the Union Budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate this journey. A key focus should be boosting the adoption of drones in the logistics sector, particularly in quick-commerce and e-commerce. With the rising demand for efficient last-mile delivery solutions, drone technology is poised to play a transformative role in meeting these needs. To realize this potential, we urge the government to foster an enabling ecosystem through targeted policy measures," said Ankit Kumar.

"Tax exemptions or reduced GST rates on drone services, manufacturing, and maintenance would significantly lower operational costs, making drones more accessible for businesses. Expanding funding under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to include drone services and infrastructure—such as drone ports—will further catalyze the sector’s growth," he added.

Saurabh Rai, CEO - of Arahas Technologies said, " As India approaches the Union Budget, the nation faces a pivotal moment to balance rapid technological advancement with foundational needs. Amid the AI revolution, critical projects leveraging Geographic Information Systems and space tech for better governance, remain underfunded. GIS isn't just about mapping—it's a tool for disaster preparedness, land optimization, and sustainable urban planning. Without adequate investment with proper controls, initiatives like these risk falling behind, leaving gaps in environmental stewardship and governance precision,"

"Simultaneously, India's sustainability agenda is at a crossroads. While we pledge ambitious climate goals, budgetary allocations for wetland conservation, water resource management, and renewable energy lag dangerously behind. Neglecting these areas risks ecological collapse, undermining long-term growth. Artificial intelligence offers transformative potential, but its rapid adoption must not overshadow core priorities. AI must be harnessed to tackle challenges like climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and urban development, not at the cost of environmental funding," he said further.

Sanjay Chatrath, Co-founder & Managing Partner, Incuspaze sought a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, which are currently at 18% and hopes for further reductions to 13%

"The office market saw record leasing of workspaces this year with foreign companies increasingly setting up Global Capability Centres (GCCs) it’s essential for the government to support this momentum. We anticipate a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, which are currently at 18% and hope for further reductions to 13%. This would help MSMEs, and startups thrive," said Sanjay.

"Additionally, offering input tax credits and incentives for businesses adopting energy-efficient practices would be crucial. Furthermore, establishing a unified platform for regulatory approvals and enhancing infrastructure to increase Grade A buildings will further propel growth in this sector," he added.

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