Pre-Budget Insights by Experts

Mr. Nirav Choksi, CEO & Co-founder at CredAble

As India anticipates the upcoming budget announcement, Mr. Nirav Choksi, CEO & Co-founder of CredAble, has shared his insights on the budget’s potential impact on the Fintech sector, as well as more specific comments on MSME lending and Digital Lending. I’ve attached his full quotes for your reference and would be happy for you to choose any one of them that aligns best with your story angle.

Mr Piyush Bothra, Co-Founder and CFO, Square Yards

“As we enter 2025, real estate stands poised for crucial new reforms to drive its growth. A key priority is adjusting the affordable housing price cap beyond the current Rs. 45 lakhs to align with rising development costs in metropolitan areas. Another significant expectation is to increase the tax deduction limit on home loan interest from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 4 lakhs, providing tangible relief to aspiring homeowners. Reduced GST rates will further enhance market vibrancy, creating a more accessible pricing structure. Finally, introducing tax incentives under Section 80C for investments in REITs can promote real estate as an attractive tax-saving avenue, drawing new investors to the sector. These measures have the potential to catalyse substantial demand, ensuring a stronger, more sustainable real estate market in the years ahead.”

Mr Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian

“Elevated borrowing costs amid sticky inflation led to a sharp rise in construction costs in 2024. These costs are expected to further increase on the back of supply chain disruptions due to increasing geopolitical conflicts. Amid rising costs and a demand slowdown, the real estate sector’s expectations from the upcoming budget are at an all-time high. Rise in tax exemption limit for housing loans, granting ‘Industry’ status, amendments in GST input tax credit regulations, boost in affordable housing sector by broadening the definition, and easing liquidity by policy reforms are some of the broad expectations from the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26.”

Mr Badal Yagnik, CEO, Colliers India

Budget 2025 is expected to build cornerstones to drive the next phase of elevated growth in Indian real estate with an ambition to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030. Transformative measures in the form of incentives & favourable polices to fuel infrastructure, economic and real estate development in tier 2 cities, technology-led infrastructure & growth corridors and incentivizing green building adoption will draw significant domestic and foreign institutional capital. Accordance of ‘industry’ status to real estate, standardization & extension of affordable housing benefits, streamlining and rationalization of GST levy across segments possess significant potential to drive heightened real estate activity across segments and geographies with better access to capital and single window clearance. While the simplification of tax regimes across individuals & corporates will continue to bring in efficiencies, drive entrepreneurial capital, retail investment; a concerted coordination between the country’s legal and financial framework will surely aid in improving ease of doing business.

Shivam Thakral, CEO of BuyUcoin, India’s second-longest-running digital asset exchange

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget 2025, we at BuyUcoin hope to see big steps forward for India’s Web3 industry. The cryptocurrency sector has faced numerous challenges, particularly due to the high taxation imposed since 2022. We think the government will recognize the need for a more favorable regulatory environment, which includes lowering the current 1% TDS and 30% capital gains tax on virtual digital assets (VDAs) to levels that help the industry grow and come up with new ideas.

For 2025, we’d like to see policies that not only get people to invest but also bring talented folks back to India, helping Web3 startups thrive. The government can make the most of blockchain technology and decentralized finance by setting clear guidelines and changing tax rules. We believe that if the upcoming budget includes helpful measures, India can become a world leader in Web 3. This is an opportunity for the government to solidify its commitment to building a strong digital economy that benefits all stakeholders involved.

Anish Jain, Founder, W Chain

The upcoming Union Budget presents a critical opportunity to foster innovation and growth within India’s burgeoning Web3 sector. We expect the government to consider several key measures, including:

Clearer regulatory framework: A well-defined regulatory framework that encourages responsible innovation and fosters a conducive environment for Web3 businesses to thrive.
Tax incentives for R&D: Incentives for research and development in blockchain technology can drive innovation and attract talent to the sector.
Focus on skill development: Initiatives to upskill the workforce in blockchain and Web3 technologies are crucial for India to become a global leader in this space.
Support for Web3 infrastructure: Supporting the development of robust and scalable blockchain infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity and access to affordable cloud computing resources.

We believe that a supportive regulatory environment and targeted policy measures can unlock the immense potential of Web3 technologies and position India as a global hub for blockchain innovation.
Specifically for W Chain, we expect the government to recognize the potential of blockchain-powered payment solutions in driving financial inclusion and boosting economic growth. We look forward to contributing to India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the Web3 revolution.

Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget

India’s stance on crypto regulation is being followed by nations worldwide. It is vital for the global crypto ecosystem’s growth and for the country’s dominance into becoming a financial and business hub. A balanced approach in the 2025 budget could provide immense potential for innovation and financial inclusion for crypto. Reducing the currently implied heavy taxations on digital assets can increase mass adoption and transparency for crypto. At Bitget, we see India as a key market for crypto growth, and regulatory clarity can help build an environment for secure and inclusive financial solutions around crypto. Collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders will be essential to ensure this sector thrives responsibly.

Mr. Harshvardhan Tibrewala, MD, Vida Realty

With the Union Budget coming up, the real estate sector is looking forward to reforms which will enhance the housing demand as well as its affordability. Increasing the interest amount limit for home loans under tax exemption from the present amount of ₹2 lakh to at least ₹5 lakh would make a great difference for the middle income homebuyers, especially in times like this since the housing sector would benefit as more people would be looking to buy houses. Improving the availability of real estate finance and introducing GST input credits could indeed work towards achieving the goal of reducing the cost of owning a house, which has become important in the wake of cities’ annual urban housing prices inflation of about 6-8%. Besides, earmarking at least ₹10 lakh crore for infrastructure development, as part of the envisaged ₹100 lakh crore investment plan over five years, will enhance connectivity and create new corridors of growth across the country thus improving the quality of life and the economic viability of the emerging cities.

Mr. Ramesh Alluri Reddy, CEO at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship

With over 808 million individuals under the age of 35—comprising nearly 66% of its population—India holds a unique demographic advantage capable of propelling it toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy. As we approach the 2025 Union Budget, the government must prioritize initiatives that empower this vast youth base, aligning with the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Economic revitalization must remain the cornerstone of national progress, with targeted measures to boost job creation, foster entrepreneurship, and incentivize investments across key sectors. Reviving manufacturing, supporting MSMEs, and expanding large-scale infrastructure projects can act as catalysts for economic resurgence, generating employment opportunities at scale. At the same time, strengthening digital and physical infrastructure is essential to sustain long-term growth. Enhanced investments in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including the expansion of AI Centers of Excellence, smart cities, and high-speed connectivity, will position India as a global leader in technology and innovation. Bridging the digital divide through affordable access to devices and connectivity in underserved regions, coupled with improved transport and logistics networks, can ensure inclusive growth while enabling industries to thrive in a globally competitive environment.

Economic revival must go hand in hand with skilling and workforce development to harness India’s demographic dividend. The 2025 budget must reimagine skilling through dynamic reforms in apprenticeship programs, bridging the gap between education and employability. By integrating practical, industry-aligned training with academic curricula and aligning these programs with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), India can create a job-ready workforce while boosting productivity. Special attention must be given to equipping the workforce with future-ready skills in cutting-edge fields like AI, robotics, and cybersecurity, ensuring relevance in a rapidly evolving job market. Furthermore, women’s workforce participation must be prioritized through flexible working models, childcare support systems, and financial incentives for employers to hire women, fostering a more inclusive labor force. A strong focus on lifelong learning, supported by e-learning platforms and smart classrooms, can empower individuals to continuously adapt to evolving industry demands. By integrating these strategies, the budget can lay the foundation for a skilled, resilient, and inclusive workforce, ensuring sustainable economic growth and turning the vision of Viksit Bharat into a tangible reality.

Mr. Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India

Furniture industry eagerly anticipates its inclusion in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. As Previously indicated by the finance minister for inclusion in the furniture industry, this move could modernize the sector, enhance exports, and align with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Inclusion in the PLI scheme would enable the industry to invest in capital expenditure (capex) and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies and know how. This modernization could reduce production costs and boost global competitiveness which would be complementary to the introduction of BIS in Furniture fitting sector. This would be a game-changer, modernizing and making Indian furniture a global brand.
We anticipate lower Tax rates of GST and income tax to enhance household savings of the public at large to drive consumer demand and industrial growth.
The sector hopes the Finance Ministry’s announcement will deliver on these expectations, paving the way for growth, innovation, and increased employment opportunities.

Gopal Jain, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Gaja Capital, and Co-Chair of the Regulatory Affairs Committee, IVCA

“At the pre-Budget consultation with Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, IVCA emphasized the need to build on the positive policy momentum from the previous Union Budget to further strengthen the Indian alternate capital ecosystem. Additionally, unlocking pools of domestic capital remains critical. By implementing these measures and modernizing regulatory frameworks, India can pave the way for a robust and globally competitive alternative investment landscape. We remain optimistic about the government’s continued support in the upcoming Union Budget.”

Mr. Gayomard Driver – Executive Director & Group Chief Financial Officer Jeena and Company

“As a key driver of India’s economic growth, the logistics industry anticipates The Union Budget 2025 to prioritize efficiency and innovation. Simplifying GST, accelerating multi-modal logistics parks, and incentivizing green logistics are essential to align with the National Logistics Policy.

While technology will continue to be the transformative power revolutionizing logistics operations and enhancing connectivity; it is equally important to focus on the training and skill development of aspiring professionals to remain competitive in the digital era.”

Saurabh Marda, Co-founder and Managing Director, Freyr Energy

“The Union Budget 2025 is a pivotal moment for India’s solar energy growth. Last year was a a landmark year for the residential solar sector. It witnessed unprecedented growth driven by the government’ PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The focus should be on ensuring that sufficient domestic manufacturing capacity is there to fulfil upcoming demand. In addition to this, the entire process of loan evaluation and disbursal for residential solar loans should be digitised. Finally, the government should further streamline/standardize/digitize approvals to speed up system installation and grid connectivity timelines. A forward-thinking budget can provide the clarity and support for these items will go a long way in helping the section meet or even exceed its goals.”

Mr. Nikhil Mansukhani, Managing Director at MAN Industries

“India’s steel industry is on the brink of transformative growth, with domestic demand projected to rise by 9-10% in FY25. The National Steel Policy’s vision of achieving 300 million tonnes of production capacity by 2030-31 underscores the immense potential of the sector.

 The upcoming Union Budget is a critical opportunity to introduce targeted measures that can accelerate this growth. Incentives for sustainable steel production, modernization of manufacturing facilities, and increased support for infrastructure projects could serve as game-changers. Additionally, policies that promote exports and improve logistics would further cement India’s status as one of the leading steel producers globally.

 By fostering innovation and building capacity, the Budget has the potential to not only strengthen the steel sector but also drive growth across allied industries like energy, construction, and transportation. This would contribute significantly to India’s economic progress and global competitiveness.

 In addition to that, India has launched an anti-dumping probe into imports of hot rolled flat products originating in or exported from Vietnam after complaints that they were being sold at low prices, hurting the interest of the domestic steel industry. If the Antidumping measures came into effect, certainly this will further strengthen the whole Steel Industry.”

Mr. Gaurav Parasrampuria, CFO, Magma General Insurance Limited 

“In the upcoming Union Budget 2025 announcement, we remain optimistic about the government’s commitment to encouraging the insurance sector. We expect measures aimed at increasing insurance penetration, such as tax incentives for policyholders under section 80D and initiatives to reduce GST on health insurance premiums while retaining the benefit of input tax credit for the industry. These actions will make insurance more accessible to a wider audience as well as stimulate growth and innovation within the industry. In line with the government’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ we are hopeful for policies that will support this determined goal, ensuring that every citizen has access to adequate insurance coverage, securing their financial future.”

Shemaroo Umang’s Main Dil Tum Dhadkan Celebrates 100 Episode Milestone

In the world of showbiz, every milestone is a reason to celebrate, and when a show hits the incredible mark of 100 episodes, the excitement on set is truly unmatched. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of not just the actors but the entire team who make it all possible. The same electrifying energy was felt on the set of Shemaroo Umang’s popular show Main Dil Tum Dhadkan, as it celebrated this remarkable achievement.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as the cast and crew of the show came together to mark this special occasion—a journey filled with emotions, growth, and countless unforgettable moments. Lead actors Radhika Muthukumar, Neelu Vaghela, and Zohaib Siddiqui shared heartfelt stories about their experiences, the bonds they’ve built, and what makes this milestone so meaningful. It’s not just a celebration of storytelling but a reflection of the shared rollercoaster ride that brought them here.

Radhika Muthukumar, who plays Vrinda, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Reaching 100 episodes feels like a dream come true. Vrinda’s journey of redefining the meaning of motherhood and her unbreakable bond with her son, Kanha, has been full of memorable moments, challenges, and triumphs. I still remember celebrating festivals like Diwali the set with the entire team; it felt like a family. The love and support of our audience mean everything to me. Every scene, every emotion, has been a labor of love, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

Neelu Vaghela, known for her role as Rajeshwari Devi, shared her thoughts: “For me, this journey has been about growth and connection. Rajeshwari is a mother who wants the best for her family, but she also has an orthodox perspective. Playing this character has been a remarkable experience. Over the months, we’ve shared countless laughs on set, and it’s been a beautiful journey. The love from viewers makes all the hard work worth it. I feel so lucky to be part of a show that resonates with so many hearts.”

Zohaib Siddiqui, who plays Keshav, added an emotional note, “100 episodes later, Main Dil Tum Dhadkan is not just a show for me, it’s been my home. Keshav’s character has taught me so much about sacrifice and love. I’ll never forget the late-night shoots and the camaraderie we share. The bond we’ve built as a team reflects in the show, and I am grateful to our viewers for embracing us so warmly.”

8 Must-Know Edtech Trends Impacting K-12 Classrooms in India

The education system in India is changing quickly, and technology is having a big impact on how students learn. From customized learning to online classrooms, the K-12 education sector is experiencing exciting changes that are making learning more interesting and easier to access. In this article, we’ll look at 8 important education technology trends that are changing classrooms all over the country. We’ll also see how these trends are helping both teachers and students succeed in this new era of learning.

Personalized Learning: Tailored to Each Student
Personalized learning uses smart technology like AI and machine learning to adjust lessons to fit each student’s needs, letting them learn at their own speed. This method makes learning more interesting and motivating by focusing on what students are good at. For example, AASOKA’s personalized learning approach uses advanced tools and a curriculum designed to match the NEP 2020 and NCF guidelines. This ensures every student gets a learning plan made just for them, helping them do their best.

Blended Learning: A Hybrid Approach
Blended learning mixes online and face-to-face teaching, giving students the freedom to choose between live classes and studying at their own pace. It also improves traditional teaching by using digital tools, making learning more engaging. This approach is expected to become the norm, providing flexibility and adaptability in education.

Gamification: Making Learning Fun
Gamification brings rewards and challenges into lessons, making learning very fun and impactful, so the information is memorized better. As these tools improve, they will be used more in classrooms, making learning both enjoyable and effective.

AI and Predictive Analytics: Data-Driven Insights
AI-based tools that predict student performance can show where students might need extra help, letting teachers step in sooner. This way, teaching can be adjusted to fit each student’s needs, making learning more effective. In the future, AI will play a bigger role in classrooms. For instance, Zamit uses its AI system, which includes Measure, Improve, and Monitor features, along with Learner Analytics, to keep track of how students are doing and provide useful information to improve their learning.

AR/VR: Immersive Learning
AR and VR bring interactive 3D experiences for learning purposes and make students engaged in their own learning while exploring complex concepts. Because of these accessibility factors, they will eventually make their way into the school lessons, thereby enhancing rich immersive education.

STEM/STEAM Education: Skills for the Future
STEM and STEAM programs encourage creativity and critical thinking through activities like coding and robotics. These programs prepare students for future careers in technology and science while fostering problem-solving skills. The emphasis on STEM/STEAM education will continue to grow in the coming years.

Cloud Computing: Easy Access and Collaboration
Cloud computing, on the other hand, permits access to all digital resources and even textbooks. It offers easy access to learning materials from anywhere at any time, reducing the cost and promoting effortless teamwork.

AI-Powered Chatbots: Personalized Assistance for Students
AI-powered chatbots and voice-controlled assistants are transforming the way learning resources are accessed by students. These tools immediately provide answers to questions, support with assignments, and provide opportunities for interactive learning. Since they adjust to each learner’s style of learning and his or her specific needs, it gives support and enhances engagement with the learning process.

With this, edtech trends are rewriting the K-12 education scenario in India in terms of learning experiences that can be more personal, engaging, and flexible. As technology changes, schools will have better instruments for supporting different styles of learning that will help bring out the full potential of each student and make them ready for future challenges. Bright times await education with immense possibilities for innovation and growth.