Budget 2025: Reactions

 

ESL Steel CEO Applauds Union Budget 2025-2026
Ashish Gupta, CEO and WTD of ESL Steel Limited, praised the Union Budget 2025-2026 for prioritizing inclusive development and growth. He welcomed the raise in the income tax exemption limit to Rs 12 lakh, which aims to boost consumption. Highlighting the National Manufacturing Mission, Gupta noted its potential to strengthen the ‘Make in India’ initiative, enhance manufacturing, and create jobs.

He also lauded the Budget’s emphasis on clean-tech manufacturing to support India’s Net Zero goals. Additionally, Gupta welcomed the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission, reinforcing efforts to improve water accessibility nationwide.

 

Dr. Gangwar Calls Union Budget a Milestone for India’s Development
Dr. A.S. Gangwar, Principal of DPS Bokaro (Jharkhand) and President of Dr. Radhakrishnan Sahodaya School Complex, hailed the Union Budget as a significant step toward a developed India. He praised key educational reforms, including the Indian Language Book Scheme, IIT infrastructure expansion, increased medical college seats, and a 10,000 fellowship program for tech research.

Dr. Gangwar also highlighted the introduction of AI Excellence Centres, 50,000 Atal Tinkering Laboratories, and tax-free remittances for foreign studies as commendable measures with long-term positive impacts. He further welcomed tax relief initiatives, such as making income up to Rs 12 lakh tax-free and doubling tax exemptions for senior citizens, calling it a budget focused on common people’s welfare.

 

Prateek Maheshwari Applauds Union Budget’s Focus on Education
Prateek Maheshwari, Co-Founder of PhysicsWallah and Chair of the Indian Edtech Consortium, welcomed the Union Budget’s focus on advancing the NEP 2020 goals. He praised the expansion of IITs and the addition of 75,000 medical seats, addressing the shortage for NEET aspirants. Maheshwari highlighted the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, which promotes regional language learning, and the establishment of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to encourage innovation in schools. He also called broadband connectivity in secondary government schools a game-changer for digital learning and advocated for public-private partnerships with edtech firms. The ₹500 crore Centre for Excellence in AI for Education, Maheshwari added, would foster adaptive learning, positioning India for a tech-driven, inclusive education future.

 

Ambrish Sinha, CEO, UNext Learning Backs Budget’s Focus on Skills and AI
The 2025 budget marks a key step in India’s growth as a global leader in technology and skill development. The establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for skilling addresses the critical need for a workforce with future-ready skills. This initiative will provide targeted training, aligning youth capabilities with industry demands.

The creation of three Centres of Excellence in AI is another highlight, aiming to drive innovation and research in automation, data science, and digital transformation. These centres will enhance India’s technological advancement and global competitiveness.

Effective implementation, through collaboration between academia, industry, and government, will be crucial for success. At UNext Learning, we are committed to bridging the gap between education and industry needs, helping build a skilled talent pool to support India’s aspirations.

 

Aatash Shah Applauds Budget’s Focus on BFSI Sector and Skill Development
Aatash Shah, Senior Vice President and Head of Business at UNext Manipal Academy of BFSI, welcomed the Union Budget’s alignment with their mission to equip youth with industry-relevant skills. He highlighted the increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%, which will boost competition and global expertise, positioning India as a financial hub.

Shah also praised the Budget’s focus on employment generation, MSME growth, and vocational training, which will enhance the talent pool in labor-intensive sectors. The establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling will improve curriculum design, trainer training, and certification, enhancing education quality. At Manipal Academy of BFSI, Shah affirmed their commitment to leveraging these reforms to build a skilled workforce for a resilient India.

Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospital
“With the announcement of Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals over the next three years, India is making a decisive move to increase access to quality cancer care, especially in underserved regions.”

“The exemption of 36 life-saving cancer drugs from customs duty further reduces financial strain on patients, reinforcing affordability and better health outcomes.”

Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors
“The removal of basic customs duties on key materials for battery manufacturing is a strategic move to boost domestic EV production, foster a sustainable ecosystem, and drive India’s transition to a greener economy.”

“As infrastructure projects gain momentum and consumption picks up, improved roads, connectivity, and logistics will undoubtedly drive increased demand for freight and commercial transport solutions driven by both domestic demand and broader economic recovery.”

Sowjanya Kanuri Hails Budget’s Focus on Youth Skills
Sowjanya Kanuri, Director of ACT For Education, expressed appreciation for the Union Budget’s emphasis on preparing youth for the future. She highlighted investments in foundational skills through Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, as well as the establishment of Centres of Excellence in AI for education and skilling. Kanuri noted that these initiatives will play a key role in identifying and incorporating best practices into India’s education system, equipping youth with the skills needed in today’s evolving job market.

Sandeep Rai, Founder, The Circle India- Transforming Education for Underserved Communities
“The Union Budget 2025 undoubtedly has many glimmers of hope embedded within it. We’re making investments in AI and education. We’re expanding the renowned IITs to welcome more students. And we’re investing in areas that will fuel both science and medicine.

All of these can mean good things for the future of India and its development. And yet, we know so much of our success will come down to how well we implement this.

The 2025 budget also offers a number of questions. Amidst all of this, will we be able to double down on foundational literacy and numeracy – which we know are critical for our 2047 vision? Will we focus on attracting and building the capacity needed to fuel progress; without which nothing will move? And will we invest in the innovation needed to help us leapfrog?

The 2025 budget offers an opportunity to take many steps forward. If we can simultaneously implement it well – and not lose the focus we’ve built – we can catalyze that progress.”

Deepak Kumar, Founder and Chairman of EIMR Business School, AICTE-approved business school designed not just to teach but to inspire
“The Union Budget 2025 takes a promising step towards enhancing India’s education and skilling ecosystem, particularly with its focus on AI, emerging technologies, and expanding higher education institutions. The establishment of National Centres for Excellence in Skilling and the expansion of IITs and medical colleges are welcome moves that will help prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

Additionally, the Rs 10,000 crore boost for startups and MSMEs, along with an enhanced credit guarantee cover, presents a significant opportunity for education-focused startups to innovate and expand. The dedicated scheme supporting 5 lakh women and first-time entrepreneurs from SC and ST communities is another commendable move, fostering inclusivity in entrepreneurship. However, seamless execution and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors will be key to ensuring these funds and policies create lasting impact, equipping students and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive in the future.”

rive in the future.”