31, Jan 2025
Pre Budget Expectation Quotes by Experts

 Pankaj Dhingra, Managing Partner, FinTram Global LLP

“Budget 2025 presents an opportunity to make tax filing more accessible and transparent for everyone. Leveraging AI-based income tax systems can not only streamline processes but also help identify fraudulent practices efficiently, ensuring fairness and accountability.

Further, revising outdated tax slabs and increasing the 80C deduction – that has remained unchanged for years – will provide a much-needed relief to taxpayers.

Next, to boost entrepreneurship, introducing tax holidays and other benefits for startups and young entrepreneurs can provide the necessary impetus for innovation and job creation for common man.

Additionally, reducing GST on education to 5% will make learning and skilling more affordable, empowering students to invest in their future.

If implemented thoughtfully, these measures can create a simplified, inclusive, and growth-oriented tax framework for all.”

Mike Capone, CEO, Qlik

“The AI race won’t be won by creating the most sophisticated model; it’ll be won by embedding AI into business systems to generate tangible economic value. Global leadership in AI should be measured by its application, not just its invention.”

Niranjan Nayak, Managing Director,  Delta Electronics India 

 We are optimistic about measures to propel India’s technology and AI sectors, which are pivotal for the nation’s economic transformation. Advancements in AI, machine learning, and digital infrastructure are driving global competitiveness, and this budget presents a unique opportunity to reinforce India’s leadership in these domains.
Opportunities such as higher R&D incentives, policies to promote AI adoption across industries, and investments in digital upskilling will help build a future-ready workforce. Upgrading digital infrastructure—particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—could effectively democratize access to technology and spur regional growth.
By incentivizing sustainable technologies and AI-driven solutions for energy management and manufacturing, economic growth can be aligned with environmental goals. A robust focus on collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector will be key to accelerating India’s journey toward becoming a global technology hub.
At Delta Electronics India, we are committed to supporting India’s digital ambitions through innovative, energy-efficient solutions that empower industries to achieve operational excellence and sustainability.”

 “We want Union Budget 2025, to focus on driving India’s transition to a greener, more sustainable economy. At Delta Electronics India we are particularly keen on seeing robust measures aimed at accelerating the growth of the EV sector, which plays a pivotal role in reducing the country’s carbon footprint. We are positive about the upcoming budget and are expecting it to offer good incentives to facilitate the growth of EV infrastructure, particularly charging networks, which is an essential element for such wide adoption.
One of our major expectations is the implementation of financial incentives and tax rebates that would promote both public and private investments in EV charging infrastructure. This would form a good foundation for the adoption of EVs throughout the country. Furthermore, we expect to see more focus on public-private partnerships, which will help ease the process of charging station rollouts, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where infrastructure development has been relatively slow.
We also look forward to increased funding on R&D initiatives that push energy-efficient technologies, especially in making renewable integration with the infrastructure for EVs. This will not only meet the objectives of Delta in supporting an enhanced greener India but most importantly ensure long-term sustainability and innovation.
We are looking forward to a budget that not only supports the EV ecosystem but also puts India at the forefront of global sustainable energy and mobility. And at Delta, we will be committed to actively playing a part in this transformation, building a sustainable future for India.”

 “India stands at the unique juncture where the demographic dividend has offered an unparalleled opportunity for nations economic growth and for social transformation. The Union Budget 2025-26 can support the nation potential, particularly through sectors like electronics and telecom that are critical to India’s technological and economic future.

To add more value and increasing the domestic production, the government can expand the scope of PLI schemes to cover a broader range of components and technologies. Strengthening the supply chain ecosystem with focused investments in infrastructure, skill development, and capacity building will be important. Research and development incentives through tax benefits can accelerate innovation and make India a global leader in advanced technologies.

We also believe that sustainability should form the core of India’s growth strategy. The government can introduce benefits and reform in form of performance-based incentive system to recognize companies that consistently exceed environmental standards and investing continuously in sustainable practices. Expedited environmental and forest approvals, clearances, and permits to such organizations will not only encourage sustainable practices but also attract long-term investments.

At Delta Electronics India, we align our efforts with the nation’s vision for a self-reliant and sustainable economy. A bold and inclusive budget that supports domestic manufacturing, technological innovation, and sustainability will pave the way for India to become a global manufacturing and technology hub, driving economic resilience and environmental stewardship for years to come.”

Ms. Rachna Kango, Senior Director, ESG and Strategic Marketing, Delta Electronics India

 “The Union Budget 2025 presents a fantastic opportunity to accelerate India’s energy transition and bolster its energy security. To meet the ambitious 2030 target of achieving 500 GW renewable energy capacity, enhanced budgetary allocations for emerging sectors like offshore wind and green hydrogen are crucial. Viability gap funding and financial support for solarizing MSMEs can drive wider adoption of clean energy solutions.

Incentives for the domestic manufacturing of solar panels, cells, and storage batteries will further strengthen the “Make in India” initiative and reduce import dependency. Additionally, a comprehensive energy transition policy is needed to outline a clear roadmap for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and integrating diverse energy sources for a balanced energy mix. Such measures will play a pivotal role in advancing India’s renewable energy goals and ensuring sustainable growth.”

 Kalpana Apte, Director,FPA India

“The Union Budget 2025-2026 should facilitate the required resources for initiating HPV vaccination among eligible young girls under 15 years of age, in India, besides scaling population-based screening for cervical cancer among eligible women, through capacity building of mid-level providers, investment in HPV DNA testing and technology to improve the quality of screening in the outreach.

FPA India, has been actively engaged in promoting public awareness and action to prevent cervical cancer through our ongoing campaign Race To Erase Cervical Cancer.

We have provided over 1000 doses of HPV vaccines and more than 20,000 screenings for cervical cancer since the launch of the campaign in September 2023.

We envisage stepping up the campaign to complement and supplement the efforts of the Government of India towards early diagnosis and complete treatment for improving cervical cancer survival rates.

Budgetary allocation for procurement of HPV vaccines, roll-out of the vaccination drive through a targeted communication campaign, coupled with investment in highly sensitive screening tests and competency-based training of providers in the screen, triage and treat protocols in the public sector, will be a game-changer for improving equity and access to Cervical Cancer prevention in India.”

Ruchi Sogarwal, Director, Corporate Affairs – Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd

“The upcoming Union Budget 2025-26 holds immense potential to strengthen the pharmaceutical sector and position India as a global pharmaceutical leader. By increasing public healthcare spending, fostering innovation through public-private partnerships, and investing in advanced research and development, the government can accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge therapies. These initiatives will enhance internal capabilities, drive drug discovery, and improve the accessibility of innovative medicines. Additionally, a robust allocation towards healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, will ensure that quality care reaches underserved regions. We are optimistic that this budget will build upon the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthier India while ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all.”

Naresh Kumar, Director of Sigma-HSE (India) Pvt. Ltd

We anticipate the Union Budget to emphasize industrial safety and compliance, particularly in high-risk sectors like oil & gas, chemicals, and manufacturing. Increased budget allocations for safety initiatives, stricter enforcement of compliance standards, and subsidies for safety audits, training, and equipment are critical expectations. Tax benefits for industries investing in advanced safety protocols and equipment can further encourage proactive adoption of risk mitigation measures. Additionally, policy frameworks that mandate periodic safety audits and promote global best practices will create opportunities for service providers to support industries in achieving compliance and operational excellence.

The sector also looks forward to government incentives for digital transformation in safety, including the adoption of IoT, AI, and predictive analytics for risk management. Support for R&D in innovative safety technologies and skill development programs for safety professionals can address talent gaps and drive innovation. Including safety equipment manufacturing under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme would boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. By addressing these areas, the Union Budget can foster a culture of safety, enhance industrial resilience, and support sustainable growth for process safety services providers in India.

Gaurav K Singh, Founder and Chairman- Womeki Group

The Indian real estate sector is a vital contributor to the GDP. The upcoming budget will focus on various measures to boost growth, affordability, and sustainability. The industry is expecting policies promoting affordable housing, rationalisation of GST, and incentives to promote green real estate. For Delhi NCR, infrastructure development and smart city initiatives remain key. Better road networks, metro expansion, and seamless connectivity to Delhi and surrounding areas will further enhance the region’s position as a top real estate investment destination. The growing commercial and luxury residential segments highlight the need for reforms which enable ease of doing businesses and streamlined approvals. The real estate market will reach new heights if the upcoming budget addresses these areas, attracting domestic and international investors. With supportive policies, Delhi NCR is poised to remain at the forefront of India’s real estate growth.

Kapil Garg, Managing Director, Asian Energy Services Limited

“The oil and gas sector has experienced considerable momentum in recent months, and sustaining this growth hinges on focused policymaking in the Union Budget 2025. First and foremost would be the passage of the Oilfield (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, which can mark a turning point for the industry. The proposed changes will expedite approvals, simplify arbitration processes, and particularly benefit unconventional hydrocarbons like shale and coalbed methane, improving not only investments but also enhance resource utilization. Collaboration between public and private players must also be a priority. Initiatives like OLAP, DSF, and PEC have demonstrated the benefits of partnership in unlocking India’s hydrocarbon reserves. Expanding these frameworks and incentivizing private participation will further boost domestic production and reduce import dependency. The recent collaboration between ONGC and BP in Mumbai High can serve as a blueprint for public-private synergies for technological innovation and enhanced production outputs going ahead.

Another important aspect to consider is the need to rationalize gas pricing formulas to minimize price distortions faced by producers and consumers under the existing multi-pricing mechanisms. By adopting a more streamlined formula that aligns with previous frameworks linking gas prices to crude oil benchmarks, India can enhance accessibility to cleaner fuel. These moves would be even more effective if implemented alongside the long-pending inclusion of oil and gas in GST, particularly natural gas. Its implementation would simplify taxation, improve the fuel’s competitiveness, and foster greater adoption of natural gas as a cleaner energy source, in line with India’s energy transition goals. The industry would also benefit from capital allocations for expanding midstream infrastructure, including pipelines and gas terminals. India’s current pipeline network, at approximately 20,000 kilometers, falls short of meeting future demand. Expanding this network and modernizing fuel transport infrastructure are critical to de-bottlenecking supply chains and unlocking production potential in newly explored basins.

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