From hope for policies encouraging women entrepreneurs in sustainable sectors to boosting innovation and entrepreneurship while ensuring soft compliance measures, women founders share their hopes from the Union Budget 2025. Hear what Vyomini Social Enterprise’s Prachi Kaushik; B-Square’s Payal Nambiar; GeniusMentor’s Mridu Andotra, Founder & CEO; and Urban Space’s Radhika Koolwal are expecting from the impending budget announcement.
The Union Budget 2025 is set to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025.
The new budget is expected to address India's economic challenges and promote sustainable growth. It may phase out the old income tax regime, change GST rates, and focus on rural incomes, farmers, infrastructure, digital infrastructure, women-led enterprises, and entrepreneurship. The budget aims to balance welfare spending with fiscal responsibility, targeting a 4.5 per cent fiscal deficit for FY26.
On the eve of the Union Budget announcement, we hear from women entrepreneurs about their expectations and hopes from the 2025 budget.
While some are hoping for policies encouraging women entrepreneurs in sustainable sectors and access to green finance, others are looking for policies that promote innovation and entrepreneurship while ensuring soft compliance measures that do not stifle growth.
The common thread among everyone’s expectations is a hope for a prosperous and inclusive future for the Indian economy.
Let’s hear what these women entrepreneurs have to say.
Payal Nambiar, Founder & Director, B-Square is hoping for transformative change—one where collaboration between government and industry can pave the way for a thriving technological ecosystem ready to meet tomorrow's challenges head-on.
She says, “We are looking for policies that promote innovation and entrepreneurship while ensuring soft compliance measures that do not stifle growth. It is crucial for the government to recognize the unique challenges faced by tech startups and established businesses alike. By creating an environment where compliance is streamlined and supportive, we can unlock immense potential for growth and development in our sector. The upcoming budget should prioritize measures that facilitate the establishment of AI centres and introduce special schemes aimed at skilling our workforce. This is essential not just for keeping pace with technological advancements but also for ensuring that we harness these innovations effectively. The talent crunch we face today is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. It’s crucial that policies are put in place to address this gap, focusing on fostering innovation and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking. The paradigm has shifted; today's generation is wired differently and can contribute significantly if we nurture their potential effectively. We need a drastic overhaul of our teaching methodologies, which have become archaic and misaligned with contemporary needs.
The government must embrace experimental teaching methods. Enrolment criteria should be flexible and affordable, allowing access to high-quality education from esteemed institutions without financial barriers—think Harvard-based lecturers made available through incentives or partnerships. Moreover, there’s a palpable fear among mid-level professionals about job security amidst rapid technological change. To combat this anxiety, we need a culture of continuous learning—one that promotes innovation while providing businesses with flexibility through soft-touch regulations. For sustainable growth, long-term policy shifts are essential; industry players need assurance from the government that they have support in navigating these changes."
Mridu Andotra, Founder & CEO, GeniusMentor believes the upcoming budget presents a crucial opportunity to solidify India’s commitment to integrating AI into the learning experience.
She says, "I believe the Indian education system is on the cusp of a technological revolution, and the upcoming budget presents a crucial opportunity to solidify our commitment to integrating AI into the learning experience. While the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its 2024 updates have laid the groundwork for introducing AI in schools and colleges. Although the government allocated INR 10,300 crore to the IndiaAI Mission in the 2024-25 budget, this initiative encompasses broader AI development, not solely education.
To truly empower India's youth and establish the nation as a leader in AI, the upcoming budget must prioritize a dedicated budget allocation for AI in schools and colleges. A significant increase is needed, potentially aiming for 5-10% of the overall education budget, to match the ambitious goals outlined in the NEP 2020. This investment should focus on providing cutting-edge AI infrastructure, including high-speed internet access, advanced digital tools, and dedicated AI labs in schools and colleges. It should also include provisions for upskilling educators in AI pedagogy and developing engaging, hands-on AI learning experiences for students. China and the US are investing heavily in AI education and the US government is actively supporting AI integration in K-12 education. India needs to ramp up its investment to remain competitive and ensure its students are equipped for the future. This budget is a chance for the government to show that they're serious about AI in education, and I sincerely hope they seize it. "
Inclusivity must go hand in hand with sustainability believes Prachi Kaushik, Founder and Director, Vyomini Social Enterprise.
She says, "As India strides toward economic growth, the upcoming budget presents a vital opportunity to prioritize the inclusion of women in the workforce with a focus on sustainability. Bridging the gender gap can significantly boost GDP and catalyze long-term growth. This requires targeted measures such as skill development programs, incentives for women-led enterprises, and infrastructure to support working women, such as affordable childcare and safe workplaces.
We believe inclusivity must go hand in hand with sustainability. Policies encouraging women entrepreneurs in sustainable sectors, access to green finance, and support for eco-friendly businesses led by women will ensure economic progress that respects environmental boundaries. By empowering women, especially in underserved communities, and fostering equitable participation, we can create a self-reliant, inclusive India that is both socially and ecologically resilient".
Radhika Koolwal, Co-Founder, Urban Space is hoping for investments in infrastructure, urban housing development, and affordable housing schemes to boost the Indian home décor industry.
She says, "As we approach the Union Budget 2025, the home decor industry is optimistic about measures that can bolster growth and innovation in the sector. We hope for policies that incentivize domestic manufacturing, such as subsidies on raw materials and machinery, along with tax breaks for MSMEs and startups. A reduction in GST rates on home furnishings and decor items would be a significant step toward making quality products more accessible to the growing middle class.
Additionally, we expect initiatives that encourage sustainable practices, such as tax benefits for brands adopting eco-friendly production processes and using sustainable materials. Expanding financial support for digital infrastructure and e-commerce platforms will further empower businesses like Urban Space to enhance customer experiences and reach underserved markets.
Investments in infrastructure, urban housing development, and affordable housing schemes will also be instrumental in spurring demand for home decor. Moreover, we look forward to enhanced export incentives, which can help Indian brands compete globally and showcase our designs on the international stage."
