On February 1, 2025, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her eighth consecutive Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, focusing on stimulating economic growth and providing relief to the middle class via income tax exemption for individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually, aiming to boost household consumption and savings.
The Union Budget 2025 is expected to positively impact advertising and marketing, with increased disposable income leading to higher ad spends, particularly in consumption-driven sectors like retail, automobiles, real estate, consumer electronics, travel, and fintech, with experts anticipating a 10% boost in the advertising market.
The budget introduces key reforms, including tax relief up to 12 lakh, an AI Center of Excellence, Rs 10,000 crore for startups, and broadband expansion under BharatNet. These initiatives aim to drive innovation, digital transformation, and job creation, benefiting industries such as MarTech, fintech, and MSMEs. Increased AI adoption and investments in DeepTech, R&D, and Atal Tinkering Labs are expected to strengthen India’s position as a global technology hub.
Below is a glimpse of the key leaders’ some of the many takeaways from Union Budget 2025:
Advertising and Marketing
According to Shrenik Gandhi, Co-founder and CEO, White Rivers Media, with more disposable income in the hands of consumers due to the Rs 12 lakh income tax relief, ad spends are expected to see a positive uptick, particularly in consumption-driven sectors from salaried class.
“The overall advertising market could see a 10% boost, driven by increased discretionary spending. Digital ad spends, already on a growth trajectory, may accelerate further as brands look to capitalize on rising consumer sentiment,” he believes.
In terms of how different sectors will fare out in the aftermath of the budget, Gandhi elaborated, “Retail & E-commerce: More spending power = more online & offline shopping. Expect aggressive ad campaigns. Automobile: Higher disposable incomes often drive car & two-wheeler purchases. Auto brands will likely increase ad investments. Real Estate: With better affordability, developers might push marketing for mid-income housing. Consumer Electronics & Smartphones: A direct beneficiary of increased disposable income, this sector will ramp up promotions. Travel & Hospitality: As financial pressure eases, expect a surge in domestic and international travel promotions. Fintech & BFSI: With extra savings, more consumers may explore investments, mutual funds, and insurance, prompting BFSI brands to up their ad spends.”
Taking into consideration all of the above insights, he is not just hopeful but is rather confident that the Union Budget 2025 not only benefits individuals but also creates a ripple effect for brands and advertisers, making it a big win for the ad industry.
In the eyes of Sameer Joshi and Anindya Ghosh, Founding Partners, Sam & Andy, the Union Budget 2025 has definitely brought in a fresh wave of optimism for the nation.
“A long awaited update with regards to the new income tax bill aimed at simplifying compliance was announced and we look forward to it being unveiled in detail in the following week. The new policy of no income tax up to Rs 12 lakhs definitely brings a sigh of relief for the middle class in the time when cost of living is consistently increasing,” they said.
Furthermore, they also added, “Initiatives like setting up Centre for Excellence in AI with an outlay of Rs 500 crore, will prove effective in bridging the technological gap and equipping us with necessary resources to make a difference in today’s digital age. The AIF fund of Rs 10,000 crore for startups will further boost innovation and drive job creation. Further, the decision to furnish rural areas with broadband connections as part of the Bharatnet Project, is commendable and is a step forward towards fostering inclusive growth. Overall, we are pleased to see the economy taking strides towards achieving a healthy balance between consumption and expenditure. We believe that an upswing in consumption can have excellent effects on the economy, a scenario where everyone contributes to fuel the growth further. An expansion of consumption can only occur when people have an increased disposable income and we look forward to seeing the impact generated by the Union Budget 2025 in the times ahead.”
Additionally, Rakesh Hinduja, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Wondrlab Network, also pointed out that with Union Budget 2025 expanding access to capital for MSMEs and startups a new wave of innovation and digital transformation will unlock.
“With the allocation of more funds, India’s creator economy and marketing-tech sectors stand to gain exponential momentum, driving industry growth by at least 2-3x in the next few years. The capital infusion coupled with streamlined mergers will definitely accelerate consolidation while fueling acquisitions to strengthen the martech ecosystem – thereby positioning India as a global hub for tech-driven brand-building,” he said.
In the opinion of Siddharth Devnani, Co-Founder and Director, SoCheers, as well, the Union Budget 2025’s focus on digital transformation through initiatives like the Rs 20,000 crore R&D spending, DeepTech Fund of Funds, and investment in AI excellence centers amongst others signals India’s commitment to technological advancement.
“The establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs and broadband connectivity in government schools will create a future-ready digital workforce. Combined with the significant tax relief that increases disposable income across the middle class, these initiatives are likely to accelerate digital adoption and consumer spending. For the advertising and marketing industry, this presents a unique opportunity– we’re looking at a more digitally-connected consumer base with enhanced purchasing power,” he added.
As per Prasad Shejale, Founder and CEO, LS Digital, as well the Union Budget’s forward-looking approach to Artificial Intelligence, with the establishment of a Center of Excellence (CoE) for AI, aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global digital powerhouse.
“At LS Digital, we believe AI is not just a tool but a transformative force driving Digital Business Transformation (DBT). With AI at the helm, we are leveraging its capabilities across research, prediction, and generation to unlock new possibilities for businesses, enhance decision-making, and drive intelligent automation. The push for AI-led innovation, coupled with initiatives to streamline global operations and taxation frameworks, will accelerate enterprise adoption of digital technologies, making India a key hub for advanced AI-driven solutions. As businesses embrace AI to optimize efficiency and fuel innovation, LS Digital remains committed to pioneering cutting-edge solutions that shape the future of digital transformation,” he added.
According to Chetan Asher, Founder and CEO, Tonic Worldwide, as well, the focus on AI in education, combined with universal broadband access in schools, will create a new generation of digitally native consumers and creators.
“When you pair this with the formalization of the gig economy through social security schemes, you’re looking at a complete digital ecosystem transformation. This budget isn’t just about digital infrastructure – it’s about creating a more inclusive, secure, and skilled digital India that will fundamentally reshape how brands connect with their audience,” he said.
In fact, Sarvesh Bagla, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Techmagnate, also believes that the new tax structures should be instrumental in infusing the economy with fresh energy and more disposable income, which will definitely have a positive impact and will stimulate consumption and drive the growth of retail, e-commerce, and quick commerce.
“As soon as the Covid pandemic abated, the tourism industry staged a fierce comeback. Since then, people have been hungry for new destinations and new experiences, and that’s something that we’ve seen in Google search trends as well. In FY’25, overall average monthly searches for the travel industry shot up by 8.84%. That’s a massive 6700 Lakh searches across the country. Keeping this in mind, it’s heartening to see the government prioritise tourism and medical tourism in India. It’s definitely a key shot in the arm our economy needs. As for Mergers an area I’m personally interested in and genuinely excited about, while it has always been important for business leaders to have a finger on their customers’ pulse, it will be especially important now. As the ease of doing business increases, many more entrepreneurs are likely to emerge. Moving forward, all businesses will need to develop a comprehensive view of their customers and their behaviour, both online and offline, if they want to stay ahead. Also, MSMEs especially need to start relying more on digital marketing. In the grand scheme of things, digital marketing has proven itself to drive growth with the highest possible ROI. Bootstrapped or not, MSME’s will need digital marketing to offset costs and go prospecting for high quality leads – not just in the export business but in all commercial sectors,” he added.
On the AdTech side, Abhinay Tiwari, Chief Growth Officer, Admattic, expressed, “Budget 2025-26 strikes a balance between fiscal discipline and growth, with enhanced MSME credit, AI-led innovation, and private R&D incentives shaping a future-ready economy. Clean-tech manufacturing and financial sector reforms align with global competitiveness, while ease of doing business and digital trade initiatives are welcome. Execution will be key to ensuring inclusive capital deployment and sustained private investment—crucial for Viksit Bharat’s success.”
“For AdTech, rising consumer spending—especially in middle-class and rural markets—will drive higher ad budgets. AI investments will accelerate automation and personalization, fueling programmatic growth. MSMEs, benefiting from easier credit and tax reliefs, will expand digital marketing, boosting self-serve ad platforms. E-commerce advertising will thrive with BharatTradeNet and supply chain reforms. While a ‘light-touch regulatory framework’ is reassuring, evolving data privacy norms and financial shifts will demand agility from AdTech players. Success will depend on how brands, agencies, and platforms adapt to this dynamic landscape,” he added.
In addition to the above, Ambika Sharma, Founder and Chief Strategist, Pulp Strategy, also said, “The Union Budget 2025 presents a forward-looking approach to digital transformation, MSME growth, and AI-driven innovation. The emphasis on AI research, deep-tech investments, and startup funding signals a positive shift towards a more technology-driven economy. The reduction in personal income tax slabs is likely to improve consumer spending, creating new opportunities for brands to refine their marketing strategies and drive demand,”
“For digital and MarTech agencies, the focus on MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and credit enhancement opens avenues for business expansion and partnerships. Additionally, the easing of FDI in select sectors will drive increased investment, potentially boosting digital advertising, AI-driven automation, and customer engagement strategies. This budget underscores the need for businesses to integrate AI and automation at scale, ensuring efficiency, personalization, and data-driven marketing that aligns with India’s evolving digital economy,” she added.
Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Dairy & Quick Commerce
Expressing his views on the Union Budget 2025, Jagrut Kotecha, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo India and South Asia, said, “We welcome the Union Budget 2025 focused on an income-led economic revival that will provide relief to the middle-income group through policies designed to infuse liquidity into the economy. The measures introduced should alleviate the burden of inflation and rising living costs, bringing much-needed relief to consumers and in turn help in stimulating overall consumption. PepsiCo India remains committed to supporting India’s journey to becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030.”
According to Saugata Gupta, MD and CEO, Marico, the Union Budget 2025-26 is a bold and forward-looking plan that places the middle class at its core while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth across all sectors. By prioritizing agricultural reforms, health and nutrition, education, middle class consumption and economic acceleration, this budget in his views, aligns with the government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
“For middle-class families, strategic focus on targeted tax relief and enhanced social security measures, will uplift household sentiments, boost disposable income and drive consumption. This will provide much-needed financial stability to the masses. Inclusivity is at the heart of Budget 2025, with strategic initiatives to bridge economic disparities and foster equal opportunities for all. Support for women, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and marginalized communities will drive equitable growth, making economic prosperity more accessible,” he said.
Furthermore, he also mentioned that the continued focus on rural development, with enhanced credit availability for farmers and initiatives like the National Mission for Edible Oilseeds and Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, will drive agricultural productivity and strengthen rural economies.
“The allocation of Rs 1.71 lakh crore to agriculture and allied activities, coupled with initiatives like the National Mission for Edible Oilseeds, Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, and the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, will drive agricultural productivity, stabilize rural economies, and ensure farmers have access to essential resources. In the realm of health and nutrition, the enhancement of cost norms for nutritional support programs like Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a significant step. Additionally, the emphasis on MSMEs, including credit support for micro enterprises, and emphasis on upskilling the youth and reforms in education is a step forward in fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. The focus on accelerated sectoral growth is evident through incentives for manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and sustainable energy. By investing in digital infrastructure, skill development, and supply chain enhancements, the Budget paves the way for direct and indirect jobs, innovation, and long-term economic resilience,” he said.
In fact, in his views, the union budget 2025 strikes a crucial balance between fiscal responsibility and progressive reforms and therefore fuels aspirations, strengthens the middle class, drives simplicity, and charts a clear path toward a more prosperous and inclusive future.
Sharing his pov on the budget, Aasif Malbari, Chief Financial Officer, Godrej Consumer Products, also said, “The Union Budget 2025 takes a balanced approach by strengthening rural infrastructure, manufacturing, and consumer spending—three critical pillars for the FMCG sector. Investments in rural development and job creation will boost economic activity and drive higher consumption, opening new opportunities for market expansion. The National Manufacturing Mission is a strong step toward enhancing domestic production, reducing import dependencies, and improving cost efficiencies. Additionally, tax reforms benefiting the middle class will increase disposable income, further fueling demand across essential and aspirational FMCG categories. Overall, the Budget lays a strong foundation for a more consumption-driven economy, creating significant growth opportunities for the FMCG industry.”
Furthermore, Dhiresh Bansal, Chief Financial Officer, Meesho, also welcomed the Union Budget 2025-26 for its strong push for MSME growth, digital commerce, and boosting consumption for mass Indians.
“Increasing the investment and turnover limits for MSME classification is a game-changer that will drive scale, innovation, and job creation. The big boost for sectors such as toys, footwear and many others will lead to improved domestic capabilities in manufacturing and exports. We also wholeheartedly welcome the paradigm shift in income tax, which will allow many more mass Indians to fulfil their aspirations. We at Meesho, remain committed to empowering millions of small entrepreneurs and look forward to the long-term impact of these reforms,” he said.
As per Aadit Palicha, Co-Founder and CEO, Zepto, as well, the Union Budget 2025 sets a clear vision for economic growth as it reflects a consistent push towards guiding India’s economy with a free enterprise mindset, promoting growth and sustainability. Also, the introduction of social security measures for gig workers is a key highlight, acknowledging their valuable contribution to the economy and is a much-needed upliftment and a step towards recognising gig workers’ contribution in India’s economy and youth employment.
“As consumers increasingly look for better pricing, value, and selection, the government’s focus on elevating the infrastructure in emerging cities like Kota and Nagpur is a great move. That said, as a consumer tech company, we are excited about the opportunity to add buoyancy to the economy, especially as demand increases across emerging markets. Further, India’s growing talent pool is something we’re deeply excited about. The push towards entrepreneurship and the internet ecosystem with tech companies like ours will build the foundation for the country’s growth story, and we are proud to be part of that momentum,” he added.
To this, Ravin Saluja, Director, Sterling Agro Industries (Nova Dairy Products), added, “The increase in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan limit from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh is a commendable step towards strengthening financial support for India’s 7.7 crore farmers, including those in the dairy sector. Access to higher credit at subsidised interest rates will enable dairy farmers to invest in better livestock, improve farm infrastructure, and enhance productivity. This initiative will not only support rural livelihoods but also contribute to the growth of the dairy industry, ensuring a stable and self-reliant supply chain. The enhanced loan cap within the revised interest subvention scheme further reduces financial strain, empowering farmers to meet rising operational costs. We appreciate the government’s commitment to uplifting the agricultural and dairy sectors, reinforcing India’s position as a global dairy leader.”
As per Amit Jatia, Chairperson of Westlife Foodworld (owner and operator of McDonald’s India W&S), as well, the Union Budget 2025 is a prudent budget that lays out a futuristic blueprint, aligning with India’s consumption driven economy and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
“The measures announced in the Budget 2025 are well-positioned to fuel India’s consumption engine through a smart fiscal framework. An increase in the tax ceiling to Rs 12 lakh is a welcome move which will certainly strengthen household purchasing power, driving demand across sectors. I am particularly excited with the announcement of the proposed National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar. It is a significant step towards advancing food innovation and strengthening India’s retail and food ecosystem, fostering innovation, skill development, and economic growth. With a smart fiscal framework and a five-pillar strategy for inclusive growth, this budget paves the way for an optimistic business environment and stronger consumer confidence benefiting the overall economy and organized sector players like us,” he added.
Real Estate, Finance and Healthcare
In the eyes of Ashwin N Sheth, Chairman and Managing Director, Ashwin Sheth Group, the government’s unwavering focus on resolving stressed housing projects and boosting infrastructure development is a welcome move for the real estate sector.
“The completion of 50,000 housing units, with another 40,000 set to be delivered by 2025, will provide much-needed relief to homebuyers while easing financial pressures on middle-class families. The launch of SWAMIH Fund II, with a Rs 15,000 crore blended finance facility, will further accelerate the completion of 1 lakh units, ensuring liquidity and project completion. The special focus on urban infrastructure development will certainly boost real estate. A dedicated push for skilling initiatives in construction, real estate, and hospitality will equip the workforce with industry-relevant expertise, creating employment opportunities and strengthening India’s urban landscape. These forward-looking measures will reinforce confidence among homebuyers, investors, and industry stakeholders, paving the way for sustained economic growth,” he stated.
The above measures in addition to the revised classification of Income Tax slabs and with a wider set of population benefiting out of the resultant savings makes Sheth believe that a greater flux is expected to be observed in consumer spending that should eventually provide impetus to overall economic spending and reduce inflation in the long-run resulting in lowering of interest rates.
According to George Alexander Muthoot, MD, Muthoot Finance, the Union Budget 2025 is a rather balanced and inclusive budget that strongly aligns with the vision of ‘Sabka Vikas,’ ensuring economic opportunities for major pillars of the society – the poor, youth, farmers, and women.
“The significant thrust on agriculture, with targeted credit measures under the Prime Minister Krishi Yojana and the expansion of Kisan Credit Cards, will empower 1.7 crore farmers. This will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also boost rural consumption. Furthermore, the government’s focus on MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and first-time business owners through term loans of up to Rs 2 crore and structured capacity-building initiatives will drive small business growth, fostering employment and strengthening the country’s production ecosystem. Additionally, the Rs 10,000 crore Fund for Startups will fuel entrepreneurship. These measures will contribute to a more self-reliant and resilient economy. As India’s largest gold loan NBFC, Muthoot Finance remains committed to supporting this vision by facilitating seamless access to credit and financial inclusion for individuals and businesses across India,” he said.
To this, he also went on to add that the union budget has been supportive of the middle class and hence Muthoot Finance believes that the increased disposable incomes will fuel aspirations and all of the above initiatives will not only fortify the economic foundation but also drive a more financially inclusive future.
As per Shivam Puri, MD and CEO, Cipla Health, as well the increase in the tax-free income limit is a significant relief for the middle class as it puts more money in the hands of consumers and hence, the same is expected to drive overall consumption, benefiting essential categories, including health and wellness products.
“It’s also encouraging to see the government’s focus on nutrition through targeted programs. As awareness of health and well-being grows, higher incomes will naturally lead to increased demand for wellness products,” he said.
Retail, Hospitality, Logistics, Talent
Sharing his outlook for the retail sector as per this year’s budget, MP Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, said, “’The budget reflects the government’s continued focus on revitalizing consumption, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and fostering job creation. Therefore, the budget has rightly focussed on offering fiscal impulse to boost consumption. With personal income tax reform, it will free up disposable income to boost urban consumption. It will boost the spending power of the middle-income segment and enhance consumer sentiment—both critical drivers of economic growth. For the retail and jewellery sector, a rise in consumption directly translates into stronger demand, fuelling expansion and employment generation.”
Welcoming the Union Budget 2025, Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director, India Subcontinent and MEA, Agoda, said, “Agoda acknowledges and celebrates India’s exciting potential as a top travel destination and is enthusiastic about the tourism plans announced in this year’s Union Budget. The investment in recent years in infrastructure enhancements and destination marketing is undeniably paying off. At Agoda, we see this reflected in a 22% year-on-year increase in inbound accommodation searches to India. With this year’s announced investments in the expansion of the UDAN scheme to connect 120 new destinations, enhanced support for homestays, and the development of top tourist destinations in collaboration with state governments, we’re hopeful that India will be able to sustain this momentum. Especially as this comes on top of continuing positive trends like visa easements and inspirational destination marketing campaigns promoting India’s diverse experiences and attractions.”
Adding to his take here, Dhimant Bakshi, CEO, Imagicaaworld, stated, “In the recent Union Budget 2025, the government has made key strides to positively influence both consumption and the entertainment sector. With the introduction of changes in direct taxation, there is an increase in disposable income for middle and lower-income groups, which is expected to result in a boost in overall consumption. This shift is an encouraging signal for industries like entertainment, where a stronger consumer spending power is crucial. However, to truly amplify the growth of outdoor and indoor recreational entertainment, including theme parks, water parks, amusement parks, and family entertainment centers (FECs), it is essential that the government reconsiders the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure. Currently, these sectors are taxed under higher GST slabs, which can inhibit affordability and limit access, particularly for middle and lower-middle-class families who would benefit the most from these experiences.”
“Reducing the GST rate for these sectors to lower slabs would not only make these recreational activities more affordable but would also allow for increased participation, especially among the mass consumer base. More importantly, it would directly support mental well-being by promoting stress relief and overall happiness—two significant factors contributing to public health and productivity. This shift in taxation aligns with the government’s goal of fostering social well-being and economic inclusion, ensuring that access to entertainment becomes a viable option for a larger segment of society. By bringing down taxes on recreational services, we can stimulate economic growth, improve happiness, and reduce stress, benefiting individuals, families, and the economy as a whole,” he added.
Furthermore, Dharamveer Singh, Co-Founder and CEO, Zo World and Zostel, also said, “The Union Budget 2025-26 brings a strong commitment to India’s travel and hospitality sector, recognizing its potential as a key economic driver. The focus on developing 50 top tourism sites, enhancing homestays through Mudra loans, and boosting medical tourism will provide a significant push to local communities, entrepreneurs, and experiential travel. The introduction of visa waivers and strategic partnerships with states will improve accessibility and global appeal. For brands like Zostel, which champion community-driven travel, these initiatives create immense opportunities to showcase India’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Strengthening infrastructure and supporting grassroots businesses will not only fuel job creation but also establish India as a global tourism hub.”
“As a brand deeply rooted in community-driven travel, Zostel welcomes these initiatives, which align with our vision of making travel in India immersive, accessible, and sustainable. With this strategic push, India is poised to emerge as a world-class destination, blending cultural richness with modern hospitality,” he added.
Shashi Kiran Shetty, Founder and Chairman, Allcargo Group, notes that the Union Budget 2025 has put the economy firmly on the track to attain the Viksit Bharat goal. By proposing targeted measures to boost consumption through income tax reform which shows the confidence of the Government of India in its tax management efforts and empathy towards the middle class segment.
“The specific interventions to boost manufacturing, integrated approach to drive ease of doing business, initiatives to encourage employment generation, innovation, clean tech manufacturing and powering new-age growth levers such as AI and deep tech, the budget has set the roadmap for broad-based growth. Steps to improve ease of doing business, continued efforts to simplify, rationalize and reform the regulatory framework will have a multiplier impact on the economy. The Rs 25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund marks a transformative step, underscoring the government’s commitment to positioning India as a global shipbuilding powerhouse, although this may not be enough to compete with China, and other ship building nations. This strategic investment, alongside the emphasis on port-led growth and enhanced logistics, will create significant growth opportunities and employment generation by creating an ecosystem similar to what happened in the automobile segment. Additionally, the Rs 1.5 trillion infrastructure allocation is a major boost, ensuring improved connectivity — a key enabler for economic growth,” he stated.
Sharing his key takeaways from the Union Budget 2025 which makes decisive strides toward strengthening India’s workforce and economic resilience, Pushkaraj Bidwai, CEO of People Matters, believes that by raising the income tax exemption limit to Rs 12 lakh, the government is putting more disposable income in the hands of over 2 crore professionals, fostering greater financial security and driving consumer spending, catalysing economic activity.
“But beyond tax relief, the real transformation lies in its commitment to job creation and skilling. The Rs 50,000 crore boost in the credit guarantee scheme for micro-enterprises, along with expanded MSME investment and turnover thresholds, is expected to generate over 30 lakh new jobs, particularly in manufacturing and services. Sector-specific allocations, such as Rs 2,500 crore for the footwear and leather industry, reinforce the intent to create large-scale employment while strengthening India’s global competitiveness. A key differentiator this year is the establishment of National Centres of Excellence for Skilling, designed to bridge the persistent gap between traditional education and evolving industry demands. Unlike previous skilling initiatives, these Centres will focus on high-growth sectors like AI, semiconductor design, and renewable energy, ensuring India’s workforce is future-ready. Coupled with a Rs 10,000 crore investment in DeepTech, expanded research fellowships at IITs and IISc, and the creation of a National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar, the government is aligning its vision with industry needs, fostering both innovation and regional employment,” he stated.
Furthermore, Saahil Goel, MD and CEO, Shiprocket, also mentioned, “The transformation of India Post’s 1.5 lakh rural post offices, backed by a 2.4 lakh-strong workforce, marks a historic shift in Bharat’s logistics and economic landscape. This initiative will bridge the urban-rural divide, ensuring seamless access to financial, digital, and logistical services in tier 2 and 3 cities. With public-private partnerships and digitization at its core, eCommerce will extend beyond urban centers, empowering local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs.”
“The government’s MSME-focused budget measures further reinforce this vision. Enhancing credit guarantees, raising MSME classification thresholds, and extending tax exemptions provide crucial financial support to small enterprises. The introduction of customized credit cards with a Rs 5 lakh limit for micro-enterprises and an expanded fund of funds program with Rs 91,000 crores committed to AIFs signal strong intent toward fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. These strategic interventions will not only strengthen Bharat’s economic backbone but also drive inclusive growth, ensuring that self-help groups, women entrepreneurs, and emerging start-ups can thrive. By integrating logistics expansion with robust financial support for MSMEs, the government is laying the foundation for a more self-reliant and prosperous Bharat,” he added.