Budget 2025 Live: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Calls Agriculture the First Engine of Growth in Budget Speech

Rajiv Memani, President-designate of CII, hailing the tax relief for the middle class in Budget 2025, stated:
“We were anticipating some relief, with most people expecting the exemption limit to rise to 9-10 lakh, but no one anticipated such a big relief. So thanks to the FM for doing this. This will be a big relief to all taxpayers, especially lower and middle-income groups. It will provide a much-needed boost to urban consumption and, over time, facilitate greater private capital expenditure. This is a positive and much-needed change, as people have been affected by high interest rates and inflation. It’s a good relief for the people.”

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Union Budget 2025, stating that amid global uncertainty and economic crises, a paradigm shift was required, but the Budget fell short.

BJP President JP Nadda praised the Union Budget 2025, calling it a “visionary roadmap” that embodies the aspirations of 140 crore Indians.
“The focus on four key sectors—agriculture, MSMEs, investment, and exports—ensures that no one is left behind in the journey toward progress. The Budget benefits the poor, youth, farmers, and women, truly reflecting the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ under PM Narendra Modiji,” Nadda remarked.

Gaurav Pandey, Co-Chairman of FICCI Committee on Urban Development and Real Estate and Managing Director & CEO of Godrej Properties Ltd., praised the Union Budget 2025:
“This is a very encouraging budget that reinforces the government’s focus on strengthening the economy and ensuring long-term robust growth. The infrastructure push and capex estimates are significant. The ability to maintain fiscal prudence while reducing the deficit is commendable, making growth more sustainable in the long run.”

Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, highlighted the Budget’s focus on aviation:
“The Union Budget 2025 outlines great initiatives for developing a future-ready travel ecosystem, with an emphasis on people and infrastructure. Investments in world-class airports, regional connectivity, capacity upgrades, and streamlined visa facilities will be critical in turning India into a global aviation hub.”
“Strengthening both domestic and international connectivity fuels economic progress, bridges communities, and reinforces aviation’s role as a catalyst for national growth.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the Budget as a major step toward realizing the vision of a developed India.
“This Budget prioritizes the development of youth, the poor, farmers, women, and all sectors of society. A significant allocation of over Rs 6.81 lakh crore to the Defence Ministry—a 9.5% increase from last year—ensures modernisation of our forces, with Rs 1.80 lakh crore allocated for capital expenditure in 2025-26.”

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticized the Union Budget, calling it an “election budget” that primarily catered to Bihar.
Taking to social media, he remarked:
“The Union government has not given anything to the farmers and youngsters of Punjab.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Budget as a historic step toward fulfilling the aspirations of 140 crore Indians:
“This is the budget of dreams. It prioritizes the common citizen, paving the way for the mission of Viksit Bharat. The focus is on putting more money in people’s pockets, increasing savings, and ensuring economic participation for all.”
On key announcements, he noted:
The Gyan Bharat Mission will preserve one crore manuscripts through a National Digital Repository inspired by Indian knowledge traditions.
The Kisan Credit Card limit will be increased to Rs 5 lakh, benefiting farmers.
Shipbuilding and tourism sectors will get infrastructure status, boosting employment.
“This Budget focuses on how to empower citizens and create opportunities, making them partners in India’s development.”

Umesh Bhati, Director of Operations at Bayside Corporation, emphasized the economic roadmap laid out in Budget 2025:
“This Budget strengthens domestic manufacturing, enhances India’s global supply chain integration, and fosters real estate growth in emerging sectors. The government’s support for electronics, automation, AI, and digital tech will drive demand for commercial real estate. The push for Global Capability Centres in tier-2 cities will promote economic diversification.”

Union Minister Piyush Goyal lauded the Budget’s focus on job creation:
“By providing more disposable income to the middle class and offering significant tax relief, this Budget fuels growth. Key employment-oriented sectors like leather, textiles, tourism, and manufacturing will benefit from these measures. The Budget has been crafted with strategic thinking to boost employment across industries.”

Applauding the Budget presented today, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stated, “The Union Budget is a historic move that will significantly benefit Bihar. The NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to the state’s faster growth. The Finance Minister’s announcements, including the Makhana Board, financial support for the Kosi canal, and enhancements to IIT-Patna, are a testament to this concern”.

The government today raised defence expenditure by 7.6 percent, allocating Rs 4.91 lakh crore for the next financial year in the Union Budget 2025.

Prashant Kumar, Managing Director & CEO, YES Bank, reacting to FM Sitharaman’s eighth budget today, noted, “The Union Budget remains growth oriented – not only attempting to correct for the cyclical growth concerns but also setting up the platform for a sustained long-term journey for the economy, keeping the focus strongly on the objectives of Viksit Bharat. Importantly, sectors that are relatively more labour intensive in nature have received a boost within the budget – namely agriculture, MSME, footwear and leather, toys, food processing. The focus of the budget has been on ways to improve productivity across various sectors and to provide adequate scope for the MSMEs to expand by enhancing the credit guarantee scheme for them”.

Shobana Kamineni, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, praised the Union Budget 2025, highlighting the customs duty exemption on 36 life-saving cancer drugs, which she believes will positively impact healthcare in India. She also commended the “healing India” initiative, which she sees as essential for positioning India as a leading destination for medical tourism. Kamineni emphasized that this focus on healthcare will lead to the development of more hospitals, improved doctor training, and increased medical education opportunities, ultimately benefiting the nation’s health and the middle class through greater affordability and access to care.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran criticized the Union Budget 2025, calling it a “big letdown” for the nation, particularly the middle class. He questioned the logic behind the income tax exemption up to Rs 12 lakh, pointing out that the Budget still includes a 10% tax for incomes between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh. Maran argued that this announcement is misleading and appears to be a political move, particularly in light of upcoming state elections, specifically in Bihar.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis praised the Budget, calling it a “dream budget” for the middle class. He lauded the significant reforms, including the income tax exemption up to Rs 12 lakh, which he believes will be a transformative step for India’s economy and boost disposable income for many.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a “dream budget” for the middle class in Union Budget 2025. He highlighted the significant reforms, particularly the transformation in income tax exemptions. Fadnavis expressed his approval of the proposal that allows individuals to earn up to Rs 12 lakh without paying any income tax, calling it a milestone for India’s economy. This reform is seen as a substantial benefit for the middle class, improving disposable income and boosting consumption across sectors.

The Modi government’s focus on defence capital expenditure (capex) has led to a significant increase over the past 11 years. In the fiscal year 2024-25, the share of defence capex reached 27.7% of the total defence budget, up from 25.2% in the previous fiscal year.
moneycontrol.com

This strategic allocation underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing the armed forces and enhancing national security capabilities. The increased capex is expected to support the procurement of advanced military equipment, infrastructure development, and the promotion of self-reliance in defence production.
The emphasis on capital expenditure aligns with India’s broader objective of reducing dependence on foreign arms imports and fostering domestic defence manufacturing. This approach is anticipated to stimulate the growth of the Indian defence industry, attract investments, and create employment opportunities.
Overall, the enhanced focus on defence capex reflects a strategic shift towards strengthening India’s defence infrastructure and capabilities, ensuring preparedness to address emerging security challenges.

Enhanced Income Tax Relief:
Under the new tax regime, taxpayers earning up to ₹12 lakh benefit from a complete rebate, with salaried employees effectively enjoying tax exemption up to ₹12.75 lakh (thanks to the standard deduction).
The proposed simplified tax slabs under the new regime are:0–4 lakh: Nil
4–8 lakh: 5%
8–12 lakh: 10%
12–16 lakh: 15%
16–20 lakh: 20%
20–24 lakh: 25%
Above 24 lakh: 30%
A new Income Tax Bill is scheduled to be tabled next week.
Adjustments in TDS/TCS and Compliance:
TDS limit on senior citizens’ deposit interest has been raised to ₹1 lakh.
The TDS threshold on rent has been increased from ₹2.4 lakh to ₹6 lakh.
TCS on LRS (Liberalised Remittance Scheme) has been raised from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
TCS on remittance for education is withdrawn, provided the loans are taken from designated financial institutions.
Higher TDS rates will apply only in cases where taxpayers do not have a PAN.
Additional Personal Finance Measures:
For senior and very senior citizens, there is a proposal to withdraw the exemption for National Savings Scheme (NSS) withdrawals.
The timeline for filing updated returns has been extended from two to four years—with approximately 90 lakh taxpayers already filing updated returns and paying the required tax.
A revamped central KYC registry is slated for launch in 2025.
Overall Taxpayer Relief:
Nearly 85% of the 7.5 crore tax return filers are expected to benefit from these measures, as the government provides significant relief to those earning up to ₹12 lakh.

Infrastructure Initiatives:
PPP Projects Reinvigorated: Each infrastructure ministry will be required to present a detailed pipeline of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, underscoring a renewed focus on collaborative investment in the sector.
Urban Challenge Fund: A dedicated fund of ₹1 lakh crore is being established for the redevelopment of cities, aimed at modernizing urban infrastructure and boosting local economic activity.
Nuclear Energy Mission: The government has set an ambitious target of 100 GW of nuclear energy as part of its “Viksit Bharat” initiative, signaling a long-term strategy to diversify India’s energy mix.
Modified UDAN Scheme & Greenfield Airports: The revamped UDAN scheme will connect 120 new destinations, and new greenfield airports will be facilitated in Bihar to enhance regional air connectivity.
PM Gatishankti Data Access: Private sector players will receive access to critical PM Gatishankti data and mapping resources, empowering them to plan and execute infrastructure projects more effectively.
– (Source: reuters.com)
Fiscal Indicator:
Net Market Borrowings: The latest update shows net market borrowings at 11.5 crore, reflecting the government’s approach to financing its fiscal strategy while managing liquidity in the market.
– (Source: Internal update)
Tax Regime Reforms:
Old Regime Benefits: The nil tax slab under the old income tax regime has been raised significantly from ₹7 lakh to ₹12 lakh, ensuring that individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh remain tax-free.
New Regime Enhancements: Under the new tax regime, revised tax slabs have lowered the tax liability. Income earners in the ₹12 lakh to ₹25 lakh bracket now enjoy benefits ranging between ₹70,000 and ₹1.1 lakh, thereby increasing disposable incomes.
Sectoral Impact: These tax cuts are expected to boost consumer spending—positively impacting discretionary consumption segments such as apparel (Trent Limited, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail), footwear (Metro Brands, Campus Activewear), quick-service restaurants (Jubilant Foodworks, Devyani International), and jewellery (Senco Gold, Titan Company, Goldiam International).
– (Attributed to Bharat Gianani, Research Analyst, Moneycontrol Research; Source: reuters.com)
Together, these measures aim to stimulate economic activity by enhancing consumer spending power, supporting urban and energy infrastructure, and optimizing fiscal financing—all of which contribute to a broader strategy for sustained growth.

Income Tax Relief:
The government has eased the income tax burden significantly. Under the old tax regime, the nil tax slab has been raised from ₹7 lakh to ₹12 lakh, meaning that taxpayers with incomes up to ₹12 lakh will now incur no tax. Meanwhile, the new tax regime features revised tax slabs that lower liability, offering benefits ranging between ₹70,000 and ₹1.1 lakh for individuals earning between ₹12 lakh and ₹25 lakh. This reduction in tax liability is expected to boost disposable incomes, thereby stimulating consumer spending.
Sectoral Impact:
Lower taxes are anticipated to spur discretionary consumption. Sectors such as apparel (benefiting companies like Trent Limited and Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail), footwear (Metro Brands, Campus Activewear), quick service restaurants (Jubilant Foodworks, Devyani International), and jewellery (Senco Gold, Titan Company, Goldiam International) are poised to benefit from the increased spending power of consumers.
– Bharat Gianani, Research Analyst, Moneycontrol Research
reuters.com

Nominal GDP Growth:
The latest updates also report a nominal GDP growth of 10.1%, signaling robust economic expansion that, coupled with lower taxes, should enhance overall consumption.
These measures are designed to inject a significant stimulus into domestic demand by ensuring more income remains in consumers’ hands, thereby providing a much-needed lift for consumption-driven sectors.

In a decisive demand stimulus move, the Budget foregoes approximately ₹1 lakh crore in personal income tax revenue to significantly boost consumption. This substantial tax relief is expected to drive increased disposable income, thereby benefiting sectors like consumer durables, automobiles, premium FMCG, quick-service restaurants, and retail. The measure is seen as a major positive for the economy, with the anticipated surge in consumer spending likely to provide a robust lift for industries that rely heavily on domestic demand.

The Finance Minister’s move to eliminate income tax up to ₹12 lakh is likely to boost consumer spending, thanks to the extra disposable income. This encourages a positive economic trend.
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The Finance Minister’s announcement to exempt income tax up to ₹12 lakh is seen as a potential catalyst for increased consumer spending, boosting disposable income and sparking greater economic activity.
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Finance Minister’s initiative to exempt income tax up to ₹12 lakh is anticipated to amplify consumer spending, fostering economic growth.
The Budget speech concluded by focusing on the middle class, likely indicating further support for this segment.
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The Finance Minister’s income tax exemption up to ₹12 lakh is projected to bolster middle-class disposable incomes, fostering increased consumer spending and a more robust economy.
Budget Live Update: Income Tax Relief to Boost Consumption and Middle-Class Confidence
The Finance Minister announced that no income tax will be payable on incomes up to ₹12 lakh, a measure aimed at increasing disposable income and spurring consumption across the economy. This tax relief is expected to provide a significant boost to household spending, particularly benefiting the middle class.
Concluding her Budget speech, the Finance Minister delivered a strong message of support for the middle class—promising a “booster shot” to their financial well-being. This combination of tax relief and targeted support underscores the government’s commitment to stimulating economic growth by enhancing the spending power of everyday citizens.

The income tax exemption limit has significantly increased over the years:2005: ₹1 lakh
2012: ₹2 lakhs
2014: ₹2.5 lakhs
2019: ₹5 lakhs
2023: ₹7 lakhs
2025: ₹12 lakhs (new exemption announced)

Equity Markets Down: The equity markets are reacting negatively to the Budget, with most indices in the red. There have been sharp declines in infrastructure, capital goods, and public sector stocks. The market seems disappointed by the lower-than-expected capex, private capex boost, and public sector divestment announcements.

Income Tax Relief: The Finance Minister announced that no income tax will be payable up to ₹12 lakh, a significant relief for taxpayers in the middle-income bracket. This announcement received resounding applause in the House, reflecting the positive reception of the tax reforms.

Democracy, Demography, and Demand: The Finance Minister emphasized these three pillars as key support drivers for India’s growth, alongside announcing Personal Income Tax (PIT) reforms to simplify tax administration.
National Savings Scheme (NSS): The government proposes to exempt withdrawals from National Savings Scheme (NSS) accounts from tax, aiming to incentivize savings.
Startups: The period for the incorporation of startups eligible for tax benefits is proposed to be extended to 5 years, providing additional support to emerging businesses.

Support for Make in India: To boost domestic electronics manufacturing, the government has increased the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on interactive flat panel displays from 10% to 20%. At the same time, the BCD on open cells and other components for LCDs and LEDs has been reduced to 5%.This move is expected to benefit contract manufacturers, such as Dixon Technologies, by fostering local production and reducing reliance on imports.

TCS on LRS and Remittance:
The Tax Collected at Source (TCS) limit on Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) has been increased to ₹10 lakh from ₹7 lakh.
TCS on remittance for education has been removed for loans taken from specified financial institutions.
TDS on Rent: The TDS threshold for rent has been hiked to ₹6 lakh, reducing the tax burden for individuals paying rent.
Udaan Scheme Expansion: A new Udaan scheme will facilitate the building of 120 new airports, allowing travel for an additional 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years. This is expected to benefit travel and tourism players such as IndiGo, OTAs like Ixigo and Yatra, and hotel companies like EIH Hotel, Lemon Tree, and Indian Hotels.

Tourism Promotion: The government will develop 50 tourist destinations to promote tourism and boost employment, with a focus on spiritual and medical tourism. E-visa facilities and visa fee waivers for select countries are also planned. This focus on tourism is expected to benefit hotel companies (Indian Hotels Company, EIH Limited, Lemon Tree Hotels, Royal Orchid Hotels, Juniper Hotels) and luggage companies (VIP Industries, Safari Industries).
TDS/TCS Threshold for Senior Citizens: The TDS threshold for senior citizens has been raised from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, easing the tax burden on elderly taxpayers.

PIT Reforms and TDS/TCS Rationalization: The government is focused on simplifying the Personal Income Tax (PIT) system by rationalizing Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Tax Collected at Source (TCS), with the aim of reducing the compliance burden for taxpayers.
Indirect Tax Measures for Manufacturing:Exemption from Basic Customs Duty (BCD) for cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery waste, and 12 critical minerals to support domestic manufacturing.
35 additional goods for EV battery manufacturing and 28 goods for mobile phone battery manufacturing will be added to the list of exempted capital goods.
Gig Economy in Focus:One crore gig workers, especially those from online platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and BigBasket, will receive ID cards and healthcare benefits under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana, facilitating their social security and recognition. This move targets the growing $6 billion quick-commerce sector in India.

New Income Tax Bill: The Finance Minister announced that the new Income Tax bill will be simpler to understand and aims to reduce litigation, making the tax process more efficient.
Insurance FDI Hike: The FDI limit in the insurance sector has been increased from 74% to 100% for select firms, signaling the government’s commitment to attracting foreign investment and accelerating deal activity in the sector.
Government Borrowing for FY26: The government’s gross borrowing for FY26 is budgeted at ₹14.82 lakh crore, with net borrowing at ₹11.54 lakh crore. This is similar to FY25, ensuring that government borrowing will not crowd out private credit, potentially supporting a rally in government securities (G-Sec).

BCD Exemption for Ship Manufacturing: The Budget proposes to continue the exemption on Basic Customs Duty (BCD) for the manufacture of ships and their parts for the next 10 years, supporting the growth of the shipbuilding industry.
Revised Capex for FY25: The revised capital expenditure for FY25 is set at ₹10.18 lakh crore.

BCD Exemption for Ship Manufacturing: The Budget proposes to continue the exemption on Basic Customs Duty (BCD) for the manufacture of ships and their parts for the next 10 years, supporting the growth of the shipbuilding industry.
Revised Capex for FY25: The revised capital expenditure for FY25 is set at ₹10.18 lakh crore.

Ease of Doing Business Committee: A committee will be set up to review and recommend new reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, streamlining regulations, and attracting investments.
Fiscal Deficit: The fiscal deficit is on a declining trajectory as per target. The revised estimate for capital expenditure is ₹10.18 lakh crore, which falls short of the budget estimate for FY25.

Streamlining Tariff Rates: The Budget aims to simplify and deregulate tariff rates, giving a boost to the grassroots economy while maintaining a focus on reforms.
Fiscal Deficit: The fiscal deficit for FY25 is estimated at 4.8%, with a target of 4.4% set for FY26, continuing the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation.

Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0: The government will introduce a revised version of the Jan Vishwas Bill to decriminalize over 100 provisions, promoting a more business-friendly environment.
Investment-Friendly Index: An index to rank states based on their investment friendliness will be launched in 2025 to encourage competition and ease of doing business at the state level.

Speedy Approvals for Mergers: The government will ensure faster approvals for company mergers and expand the scope of such norms.
Commitment to Ease of Doing Business: The government reaffirms its commitment to improving the ease of doing business through regulatory reforms.
People-Friendly, Trust-Based Framework: A modern, trust-based regulatory framework will be developed to further support businesses.

Insurance FDI Hiked to 100%: The government announces an increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%.
New Income Tax Code: A new Income Tax code will be introduced next week, with the tax department adopting a “trust first, scrutinize later” approach.
Past Reforms: Faceless assessments, faster tax returns, and five Vivad Se Vishwas schemes have already been implemented to streamline the tax process.

Exports as the 4th Engine of Growth: A new Export Promotion Mission with sectorial and ministerial targets is launched.
Digital Infrastructure for International Trade: A digital platform will be established for financing solutions to support global trade.
Support for Domestic Manufacturing: Efforts to integrate domestic manufacturing into global supply chains will be backed.
Guidance for Global Capability Centers: A national framework will guide states in promoting Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in tier-two cities.
Other Key Announcements
National Geo-Spatial Mission: India will initiate a mission to modernize land records through the development of spatial data.
Deep Tech Fund: The government will explore the establishment of a fund of funds to support deep-tech innovation.
Medical Tourism: The promotion of medical tourism and “Heal in India” will be encouraged, with the private sector and easier visa norms facilitating growth.

PM Gatishakti: Private sector will be provided access to relevant data and maps for enhanced project planning.
Tourism for Employment-led Growth: The top 22 destinations will be developed in partnership with states, boosting employment and tourism.
SWAMI Scheme: 50,000 dwelling units completed with 40,000 more to be completed, and SWAMI Fund 2 worth ₹15,000 crore will be established.
Greenfield Airports in Bihar: Four crore additional passengers and new greenfield airports to be facilitated.
UDAN Scheme: Modified UDAN will expand to 120 new destinations, building on its success connecting 88 airports and serving 1.5 crore middle-class passengers.
Maritime Sector: The government will restart the shipbuilding financial assistance scheme, facilitate shipbuilding clusters, and set up a Maritime Development Fund with ₹25,000 crore.
Nuclear Energy Mission: Aiming for 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047, with amendments to the Atomic Energy Act to support this mission.

Capex Boost for States: State capex-linked loans of ₹1.5 lakh crore for FY26 to boost infrastructure development.
Urban Challenge Fund: A ₹1 lakh crore fund will be established for the redevelopment of cities.
Nuclear Energy Mission: Aiming for 100 GW of nuclear energy to support India’s development as a “Viksit Bharat.”
Jal Jeevan Mission Extended: The mission will be extended till 2028 to ensure 100% coverage, with 80% of rural areas already covered since 2019.

A comprehensive asset monetisation plan for the period 2025-30 will be launched to optimize the value of public assets and generate additional revenue for development projects.

Each infrastructure ministry will present a 3-year list of PPP projects. Additionally, ₹1.5 lakh crore in interest-free loans will be allocated for capital expenditure, along with incentives for reforms in the sector.

Gig workers will be provided with healthcare benefits under a new social security scheme, aiming to support 1 crore gig workers across the country.

The Finance Minister unveils plans to set up cancer centers in every district hospital, aiming to improve healthcare access and cancer treatment across the country.

The FM highlights investment as a key growth driver. The Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 program will support 8 crore children, while Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in government schools over the next five years to foster innovation.

A new Manufacturing Mission will be established to provide comprehensive policy support to industries, driving growth and innovation.

A new institute for food processing will be established in Bihar, while the National Manufacturing Mission will further strengthen the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

A new scheme will provide term loans to 5 lakh women and first-time entrepreneurs over the next 5 years. Additionally, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups will be increased to ₹20 crore, supporting innovation and growth in the toy industry.

MSMEs contribute 45% of India’s exports. To support their growth, the classification limit for MSMEs has been increased, and customized credit cards will be issued for micro enterprises.

A five-year Mission for Cotton Productivity will focus on Extra Long Staple Cotton varieties, aiming to enhance quality and rejuvenate India’s traditional textile sector.

Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana to Target 100 Low Productivity Districts
Agri Program to Benefit 1.7 Crore Farmers
National Mission for Edible Oil & Seeds to Promote Aatmanirbharta
6-Year Mission to Achieve Self-Reliance in Pulses
Central Agencies to Procure Tur, Urad, and Masur Over the Next 4 Years
Makhana Board in Bihar for Improved Processing and Value Addition

The plan includes targeted procurement of pulses through Nafed and NCCF under the DHAN DHANYA YOJANA. Additionally, a Makhana Board will be established in Bihar, and a national mission on high-yielding seeds will be launched to boost agricultural productivity.

The Budget focuses on major reforms in taxation, the financial sector, power sector, urban development, mining, and regulatory frameworks.

The scheme aims to promote crop diversification, enhance post-harvest storage, and improve irrigation facilities, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers.

Union Budget 2025 Live: The Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26 will be presented today by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who will set a new record as the only finance minister to present the budget for eight consecutive years. However, it is important to note that former Prime Minister Morarji Desai holds the overall record for presenting the most Union Budgets in India. Desai presented a total of ten budgets—six during his tenure as finance minister from 1959 to 1964, and four more between 1967 and 1969.