Union Budget 2025-26: Industry Leaders hail Growth and Innovation
The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has generated a wide range of reactions from various sectors, with businesses, industry experts, economists, and the general public weighing in on the government's proposals. As India positions itself on the path to becoming a "Viksit Bharat," the budget's key focus areas, including support for startups, MSMEs, clean energy, and the gig economy, have captured significant attention. The government's push for innovation, empowerment of women and marginalized communities, and continued focus on sustainability has sparked optimism across industries. However, the budget's implementation and its impact on ground-level challenges remain topics of scrutiny. This budget, which balances long-term growth with immediate relief, sets the stage for India's ambitious economic goals while addressing current concerns of stakeholders across the economy.
Shrenik Gandhi, Co-founder and CEO, White Rivers Media:
For years, the middle class has been like that student who studies hard but rarely gets a gold star in the Budget. This time, the government has finally handed them a well-deserved reward! The exemption of incomes up to ₹12 lakh from tax is a game-changer, giving millions of salaried professionals more breathing room. More money in their pockets means more spending, which fuels businesses and strengthens the economy—it’s a win-win!
But this Budget isn’t just about relief; it’s about building the future. With increased investments in AI, digital skilling, and startup growth, India is doubling down on becoming a global digital powerhouse. These steps will not only boost entrepreneurship but also future-proof the workforce for the next wave of economic expansion.
For once, the middle class isn’t just getting a mention—it’s getting a real, tangible benefit. A tax break today, a stronger digital economy tomorrow—this Budget is balancing immediate relief with long-term progress!
Equally impactful is the expansion of the PM Research Fellowship Scheme, which will offer 10,000 scholarships to support research at IITs and IISc. This initiative will be instrumental in nurturing the next generation of tech leaders and researchers, ensuring India remains at the forefront of technological innovation. With a more robust and supportive environment for both research and startup growth, these strategic efforts position India to become a global hub for technological excellence. For those of us working in the tech ecosystem, these measures represent a pivotal moment of growth and opportunity, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations and international success."
The budget’s strong push towards digital infrastructure and technological innovation is a welcome move for the industry. Investments in AI Centers of Excellence, 5G application labs, and digital transformation initiatives will accelerate advancements in adtech, programmatic advertising, and data-driven marketing. Additionally, the ₹9,000 crore Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs is a step in the right direction, potentially fostering the growth of emerging martech and adtech startups.
Furthermore, as the government prioritizes key sectors like manufacturing, exports, and agriculture, we anticipate an uptick in sector-specific advertising and brand-building initiatives. The increased budget allocation for skill development programs could also benefit the marketing workforce by equipping professionals with the expertise needed for the evolving digital landscape.
While the budget lays a strong foundation for technological progress and economic expansion, a more inclusive approach toward tax relief and financial incentives for advertising services would have significantly amplified industry growth. Nonetheless, the focus on digital innovation, economic expansion, and entrepreneurship will likely shape a more dynamic and data-driven marketing ecosystem in the coming years.
“The government’s Rs 2-crore term loan scheme for first-time women entrepreneurs is a game-changer, empowering more women to turn their aspirations into thriving businesses. Access to capital has long been a barrier, and this initiative will provide the much-needed financial push to foster innovation, self-reliance, and economic inclusion. As a woman entrepreneur, I see this as a strong step towards building a more diverse and resilient business ecosystem in India "
"The Union Budget 2025 presents a promising yet challenging landscape for the marketing and advertising industry. The government’s emphasis on boosting disposable income through revised tax structures is expected to drive consumer spending, which, in turn, could lead to increased marketing and advertising investments across industries. However, the lack of a reduction in the 18% GST on advertising services remains a missed opportunity, particularly for SMEs and digital-first brands that operate with constrained marketing budgets. A revision in this tax structure could have significantly alleviated financial pressures and encouraged broader ad spending.
The budget’s strong push towards digital infrastructure and technological innovation is a welcome move for the industry. Investments in AI Centers of Excellence, 5G application labs, and digital transformation initiatives will accelerate advancements in adtech, programmatic advertising, and data-driven marketing. Additionally, the ₹9,000 crore Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs is a step in the right direction, potentially fostering the growth of emerging martech and adtech startups.
Furthermore, as the government prioritizes key sectors like manufacturing, exports, and agriculture, we anticipate an uptick in sector-specific advertising and brand-building initiatives. The increased budget allocation for skill development programs could also benefit the marketing workforce by equipping professionals with the expertise needed for the evolving digital landscape.
While the budget lays a strong foundation for technological progress and economic expansion, a more inclusive approach toward tax relief and financial incentives for advertising services would have significantly amplified industry growth. Nonetheless, the focus on digital innovation, economic expansion, and entrepreneurship will likely shape a more dynamic and data-driven marketing ecosystem in the coming years."
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