Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025 on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11 am in the Lok Sabha. This marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first Finance Minister to deliver eight consecutive Union Budgets.
Key Details
- Date: February 1, 2025
- Time: 11 am
- Venue: Lok Sabha, Parliament
The Budget Session of Parliament will begin on January 31, 2025, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint session of both Houses. The session will conclude on April 4, 2025, with a recess in between.
Where to Watch
Citizens can follow the live Budget presentation on:
- Doordarshan
- Sansad TV
- Official government YouTube channels
- Various news platforms’ live streams
Digital Access
Detailed Budget documents will be available through:
- Official Union Budget website: www.indiabudget.gov.in
- Union Budget Mobile App
Stock Market Operations
Despite being a Saturday, stock markets will operate during normal trading hours (9:15 am to 3:30 pm), enabling real-time market reactions to Budget announcements.
Historical Context
The tradition of presenting the Budget on February 1 began in 2017, allowing sufficient time to implement policies before the start of the financial year on April 1. This year, the nation’s focus will be on the economic roadmap that Finance Minister Sitharaman unveils.
Key Expectations for Budget 2025
1. Tax Reforms
Middle-class relief is highly anticipated:
- Income Tax Slabs: Proposals to raise the basic exemption limit under the new tax regime from ₹7 lakhs to ₹9 lakhs to increase disposable income and boost consumption.
- GST Rationalization: Calls to reduce GST on essential services like education and health insurance (currently 18%) to 5% or 12%, making them more affordable.
2. Focus on Infrastructure and Capital Expenditure
Significant investments in infrastructure are expected:
- Capital Expenditure: Analysts predict a 14% increase in capital expenditure, with a focus on highways, railways, and urban development.
- Support for MSMEs: Targeted incentives and funding to drive growth in small and medium enterprises.
3. Economic Growth Initiatives
- Boosting Consumption: Measures to encourage consumer spending, driving demand across sectors.
- Investment in Digital Economy: Increased allocations for AI, fintech, and other digital infrastructure to support future growth.
4. Agriculture and Employment
- Agriculture: Enhanced funding for sustainable farming and rural development to boost farmer incomes.
- Skill Development: Expansion of vocational training programs to address employment challenges and align the workforce with emerging job markets.
Fiscal Discipline
The fiscal deficit is expected to be capped at around 4.5% of GDP, balancing ambitious growth plans with financial prudence.
As February 1 approaches, the nation eagerly awaits the government’s roadmap for economic recovery and growth in the upcoming fiscal year. Stay tuned for in-depth coverage and expert analysis of Budget 2025.
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