Budget 2025 Views and Analysis Highlights: ‘Big boost for middle class’, FE Editors decode Union Budget 2025-26

Another key expectation for Budget 2025 is the introduction of additional tax benefits for senior citizens. The 80D deduction for health insurance premiums could be brought under the New Tax Regime, which would make it easier for senior citizens to benefit from tax savings. With healthcare becoming an increasingly important concern for the elderly, this measure could provide much-needed relief. Senior citizens could stand to benefit from a combination of higher exemptions and deductions in the new budget.

One of the most anticipated tax changes in Budget 2025 is the increase in the basic income tax exemption limit. There is speculation that the exemption could be raised to Rs 5 lakh, which would significantly benefit middle-class taxpayers. This change would help boost disposable income for millions and encourage higher consumption, which is vital for economic recovery. This change could be a key highlight of the tax relief package expected in the budget.

One of the visitors at Prayagraj, Deepak, told ANI that being a salaried person, he is expecting Sitharaman to provide “some relaxation in tax limit”. He hopes that the Modi 3.0 government will change the Rs 5 lakh slab and will exceed the limit up to Rs 7.5 lakhs.

People in Mumbai too are also waiting for the announcements on any change in tax slabs. “The most important thing would be some relaxation in the tax slabs for salaried people. It has not happened for years but it should be done… They provide compensation to women every year,” a banker in Mumbai told ANI.

A significant announcement expected in Budget 2025 is the introduction of a new 25% tax slab for individuals earning between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh. This would represent a fine-tuning of the existing tax slabs and could lead to a more progressive taxation system. If implemented, it would affect a sizable number of higher-income earners. Tax experts expect this change to provide a more equitable tax structure while still maintaining incentives for higher earners.

Typically, stock markets remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays. However, a recent circular from the National Stock Exchange has confirmed that trading will continue as usual today, from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm. Similarly, the Bombay Stock Exchange has declared a special trading session in light of the Union Budget 2025-26 today.

There are talks of the government introducing a new Direct Tax Code in Budget 2025, aimed at simplifying the country’s tax laws. The Direct Tax Code could reduce the complexities associated with income tax, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. Tax experts believe that this could be a game-changer, bringing much-needed clarity to the tax system. However, the full implementation of such reforms could take time, with gradual rollouts anticipated over the coming years.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2025 speech at 11:00 am today. Keep watching this space for live coverage of the FM’s 8th consecutive speech. This is Sitharaman’s second speech under Modi’s third term.

In FY25, the agriculture sector experienced a strong recovery, achieving a growth rate of 3.8%. The industrial sector expanded by 6.2%, fueled by gains in construction and utilities. Meanwhile, the services sector grew by 7.2%, with notable contributions from financial, real estate, and professional services.

A key expectation for Budget 2025 is some relief for taxpayers. The rising demand for reduced tax burdens is particularly focused on the middle class and salaried individuals. There are growing calls to reduce income tax rates to boost consumer spending and economic growth. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may address these concerns, offering relief through a higher standard deduction, a possible revision in tax slabs, or new tax incentives. This could be a crucial aspect of the budget for millions of taxpayers.

Ahead of the Budget 2025 session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a statement where he said that he is praying to Goddess Lakshmi for blessings to reach the poor and middle class. This signals potential measures aimed at improving economic conditions for these groups. There is speculation that this could mean enhanced welfare schemes, tax reliefs, or new initiatives focused on uplifting the lower-income sections. However, nothing can be said for sure as of now.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing the dual challenge of stimulating economic growth and providing relief to a middle class burdened by rising living costs. This comes as his government prepares to present the annual budget on Saturday, amid global trade uncertainties. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the budget for the next fiscal year at 0530 GMT, potentially offering a policy boost for the world’s fifth-largest economy. India is projected to experience its slowest growth in four years, impacted by weak urban demand and inflation risks due to a depreciating currency.

The Union Budget comes at a time when India’s GDP growth is expected to fall to a four-year low of 6.4% in FY24, matching the decadal average. The Economic Survey forecasts a growth range of 6.3-6.8% for FY26, well below the rate needed to meet the ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) goal by 2047. The survey underscores the urgent need for land and labor reforms to boost economic growth and steer the nation toward its long-term development targets. These reforms are crucial for accelerating progress and ensuring sustainable economic advancement.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025-26 in just a few hours, and there is anticipation surrounding the proposals, especially regarding income tax reforms. As India continues to face economic challenges, the budget will likely feature measures aimed at stimulating consumption, driving growth, and addressing fiscal needs. The government’s focus is expected to center on economic recovery, job creation, and providing relief to the middle and lower-income groups. Stay tuned for more insights into the key announcements that could shape India’s economic future.

The Economic Survey highlighted that India must grow at 8% for up to two decades to become a developed nation, or “Viksit Bharat,” by 2047. To achieve this goal, the investment rate needs to increase to 35% of GDP from the current 31%. The survey also emphasised the importance of further developing the manufacturing sector and investing in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology to drive long-term growth.

The Union Budget for FY 2025-26 will be presented in the Lok Sabha at 11:00 AM on February 1, 2025. Following Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s address in the Lok Sabha, the Budget documents will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha.

India‘s economy is projected to grow between 6.3% and 6.8% in 2025-26, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, according to the Economic Survey released on Friday. However, the report cautioned that strategic and prudent policy management will be essential to navigate global economic challenges. The GDP growth rate for the current financial year, ending in March 2025, is estimated to dip to a four-year low of 6.4%, which is close to the country’s decadal average.

The Union Budget for the financial year 2025-2026 will be broadcast live starting at 11:00 AM on February 1. The speech will be available on the official Union Budget website (indiabudget.gov.in) and Sansad TV. In addition, all TV news channels and digital platforms, including Financialexpress.com, will provide continuous live coverage of the event.

The Union Budget 2025 will be presented in the Lok Sabha at 11:00 AM by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025. The Budget 2025 can be watched live on the official website (indianbudget.gov.in) and Sansad TV. Several TV channels will also be covering the event live.

Former finance ministers P. Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee each presented nine and eight budgets, respectively, under various prime ministers. However, Nirmala Sitharaman will continue to hold the record for presenting the most consecutive budgets, with eight straight under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sitharaman made history in 2019 as India‘s first full-time woman finance minister after Modi’s decisive second-term victory. Following Modi’s re-election in 2024, she retained her position as finance minister.

This budget will bring Sitharaman closer to the record set by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented 10 budgets—six during his tenure as finance minister from 1959 to 1964 and four more between 1967 and 1969.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present a record eighth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, aimed at boosting economic growth and alleviating the financial strain on the middle class, which is grappling with high prices and stagnant wages, while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget for the 2025-26 financial year today. This will mark her eighth Budget presentation and the second under the Narendra Modi-led NDA 3.0 government.

The government has scheduled 16 bills for discussion during the Budget session, which started from January 31 and will run till February 13. The session will break for a recess to allow for the examination of Budget proposals before reconvening on March 10. It will continue until April 4.

The Budget Session of Parliament began on Friday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint session of both Houses in the Lok Sabha. Following the President’s address, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Hello and good morning readers! Welcome to fe.com live coverage of Budget 2025! Stay tuned for real-time updates as we bring you the latest developments, key announcements, and expert analysis throughout the day. Whether you’re interested in tax reforms, welfare measures, or growth strategies, our live blog will keep you informed every step of the way.