"The upcoming budget should prioritize India's digital and technological growth by focusing on key areas such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, and 5G infrastructure. Strengthening these areas will drive innovation and help bridge the digital divide between urban and rural India. We anticipate measures to boost R&D, semiconductor manufacturing, and green technologies, which are crucial for enhancing India's position as a global technology hub. Policies that support startups, MSMEs, and local manufacturing—through refined PLI schemes and targeted subsidies—will play a pivotal role in strengthening the 'Make in India' initiative and reducing import dependency. Additionally, simplifying tax structures and investing in skill development will empower the tech ecosystem, driving long-term, sustainable growth. We are optimistic about the government's continued focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and self-reliance, which align with our commitment to innovation and eco-friendly practices." — Alok Dubey, Chief Finance Officer, Acer India.
"The upcoming budget needs to recognize a crucial shift in India's startup landscape. While we have mastered software innovation, the next wave of value creation will come from hard-tech - startups solving complex industrial, agricultural, and healthcare challenges. To enable this, we need more than just tax benefits. We should consider creating specialized funding pools for R&D-intensive startups, particularly those working on deep tech solutions. The government could introduce matching funds for early-stage investments in sectors like semiconductor design, biotech, and advanced materials. This would help de-risk private investment in areas that typically have longer gestation periods but higher impact potential. Additionally, simplifying the process for academic institutions to become startup shareholders could unlock a wealth of untapped innovation. Many breakthrough technologies remain within lab walls due to complex commercialization pathways. The focus should shift from creating more startups to enabling the right kind of startups - ones that solve India's core challenges while building for global markets," -- Ganesh Raju, Founder, Turbostart Global.
Ms. Shriti Malhotra, Group CEO, Quest Retail, said, "As we look ahead to the Union Budget 2025-26, The Body Shop India remains hopeful for policies that will uplift the retail sector especially fostering Youth employment, sustainable practices and inclusivity in hiring. Private consumption is the cornerstone of retail growth and we look forward for government policies to open up the purse strings of consumers through higher tax exemptions slabs and reducing GST on essential personal care products could provide much-needed relief to the middle class. This would not only boost disposable incomes but also help consumers uplift their ability to purchase high-quality, ethical products that align with consumers' growing preference for quality & sustainable choices.
We also urge the government to prioritize incentives for green initiatives, such as incentives to retailers for adopting sustainable packaging and energy-efficient retail operations. Furthermore, expediting the implementation of a National Retail Policy is critical. Simplifying compliance processes, improving logistics in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, driving ease of business & providing targeted incentives for small retailers can create a more level playing field.
Investments in Retail skill development programs, especially in adopting digital marketing and technology are also essential to building a future-ready retail sector, capable of meeting evolving consumer expectations.
A progressive budget that addresses these priorities can stimulate private consumption, strengthen retail, and create a resilient ecosystem that balances economic growth with environmental and social responsibility."
Ms.Sneha Singh, Managing Director, Good Food Institute of India:
'The 2025 Union budget has a unique opportunity to position farmers and farm livelihoods at the centre of a food systems transformation that plugs into national goals across sustainability, agriculture resilience, and growing the bioeconomy. Addressing the value chain right from diversifying the seed ecosystem, growing more resilient crops such as pulses and millets, and enabling FPOs to support procurement and value addition of these crops as functional ingredients can all be incentivised further under a national strategy for alternative proteins. By building on the BioE3 policy and the Bio RIDE scheme, the government should also clearly outline resource allocations for R&D in novel foods such as cultivated meat and fermentation-derived proteins. By supporting the growth of the emerging smart protein sector and holistically prioritising the production of protein-rich, nutritious food that is accessible to all, the government can bring us closer to our vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047'.
Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University:
"We anticipate increased funding for the education sector in the upcoming budget as we see the growing emphasis on skill development, experiential learning, and research and development. The government's focus should include initiatives such as tax incentives, industry-aligned training programs and faster patent approvals. Our young entrepreneurs need a strong support system right now. Increased financial incentives, simplified regulatory frameworks, and enhanced incubation support, will further stimulate the technological advancements. The government can establish more centres of excellence. However, it's important to note that the success of these initiatives will also depend on the active participation of the private sector through public-private partnerships. Support towards these partnerships can enhance learning opportunities among students and make education more accessible. This approach can facilitate interdisciplinary education initiatives and bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, ensuring a more holistic and effective education system."
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, World University of Design:
"As Vice Chancellor of the World University of Design, I see India poised at a critical juncture in the global creative economy. Our animation, AR/VR, and design sectors are demonstrating world-class capabilities, while our educational institutions are producing exceptional creative talent. With the global creative industry projected to reach unprecedented heights - the AR/VR market alone touching $165 billion by 2030 - India has a unique opportunity. By combining our cost-effective talent pool with strategic policy support, we can transform from a service provider into a global creative powerhouse. The time for concerted action is now."
Ms. Pallavi Singh, Country Representative, JVC TV India:
I urge the Finance Minister to reduce the GST on televisions from 28% to 18%. Televisions should not be treated as luxury items, and the current tax rate is excessive. Raw materials are taxed at 18%, while finished products like televisions are taxed at 28%, creating an imbalance and burdening importers. Aligning tax rates would simplify the structure and reduce costs for manufacturers and consumers.
With the weakening rupee, rising import bills, and inflation, simplifying the tax system would ease financial pressures. In this economic climate, balancing spending power and savings is crucial for growth. Additionally, streamlining approval processes for businesses is essential. Despite initiatives like the one-window clearance system, approval procedures remain cumbersome. Simplifying these processes would promote economic growth and benefit citizens. The Finance Minister's leadership can drive progress and shared prosperity.
