Mr. Dhaval Barot, Managing Director of Bharat Realty
“The real estate sector has much to look forward to in FY 2025-2026. The industry expects that the government will fulfill much-needed demands for the betterment of the sector. Hopefully, the Union Budget will finally grant industry status to the real estate sector, benefiting from streamlined regulation and access to institutional funding. It would also increase investor confidence, helping sell luxury homes.
The appetite for home buyers is growing, and decreasing interest rates on home loans can encourage and nurture this hunger. The sector remains confident in the performance of the market, providing that the Union Budget 2025 benefits both real estate companies and buyers.”
S Anand, Founder and CEO of PaySprint, a fintech venture
“India stands at a pivotal moment in its fintech revolution, with 2025 promising to be a landmark year for innovation, inclusion, and economic growth. The Union Budget offers a unique opportunity to shape the trajectory of the fintech ecosystem, which has already positioned India as a global leader in digital payments and financial technology.
In 2024 alone, India processed over 12 billion UPI transactions monthly, a testament to the growing trust and adoption of digital financial tools across urban and rural landscapes. At PaySprint, with over 5,000 partners and a robust suite of API-driven solutions, we’ve witnessed firsthand how technology can empower businesses and drive financial inclusion. However, to sustain this momentum, we need supportive policies that bridge existing gaps and fuel the next wave of innovation.One critical area for focus is enhancing the infrastructure for open banking and API-driven platforms. A recent study by BCG indicates that India’s fintech sector could contribute $200 billion to GDP by 2030, but achieving this requires interoperability, seamless integrations, and policies that encourage collaboration between banks, fintechs, and regulators. The budget could incentivize these efforts by promoting API standardization and allocating funding for ecosystem-wide development.
Financial inclusion must remain at the heart of this vision. While over 80% of Indian adults now have a bank account, thanks to initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, only about 23% of rural users actively engage in digital transactions. Bridging this gap requires targeted investments in digital literacy programs, internet infrastructure expansion in underserved regions, and subsidies for SMEs to adopt digital payment systems. Empowering small businesses is especially critical, as they contribute nearly 30% of India’s GDP and are key drivers of employment.
Additionally, the government has an opportunity to support fintech startups and RegTech innovations through tax relief and funding programs. According to NASSCOM, India is home to over 2,300 fintech startups, yet many face challenges in scaling due to high compliance costs and limited access to capital. Incentives for early-stage innovators could unleash a wave of transformative solutions in areas like fraud detection, automated compliance, and data security.
Lastly, cybersecurity and data privacy must remain a top priority. With digital payments surpassing ₹20 lakh crore monthly, trust in secure platforms is non-negotiable. Budget provisions that establish national cybersecurity frameworks and offer grants for fintechs to invest in advanced data protection technologies will ensure that users can transact with confidence.
At PaySprint, we are committed to driving financial inclusion and delivering innovative solutions that simplify banking and payments for all. The 2025 Union Budget has the potential to catalyze the fintech sector’s growth, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of the global digital economy. Together, with the right policies and collective effort, we can build a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous future for millions of Indians.”
Mr. Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, Director Group Promoter’s Office, MD & CEO – Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE) for your reference
“We anticipate Budget 2025 to introduce measures that strengthen the real estate sector. Revising tax slabs for middle-income earners and tackling raw material price volatility can help stabilize construction costs and housing prices, making homeownership more attainable. Redefining affordability based on regional needs and encouraging green building practices will make housing policies more inclusive and sustainable. Implementing single-window clearance will enhance efficiency and attract investments. Additionally, a reduction in repo rate and stamp duty could further drive housing demand.
A forward-looking budget that supports innovation and sustainability can accelerate the sector’s growth and contribute to broader economic stability. We remain hopeful for initiatives that enable long-term growth and create a resilient future for the industry.”
Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder and Director, Manasthali Wellness
This year, we are expecting a comprehensive and adequately funded mental health budget for 2025–26. This budget will not only address current mental health challenges but also set the groundwork for a more resilient and mentally healthy society. As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that our budget reflects the increasing importance of mental well-being in our society. We urge a significant rise in funding for mental health services, including outpatient care, counseling, and community-based programs, to close existing gaps in access to resources and ensure individuals in need can easily obtain essential services. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the effectiveness and accessibility of telehealth services. Allocating resources to expand and enhance telehealth infrastructure for mental health consultations will improve access, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas, thus helping reduce disparities in mental health care. Additionally, the rise of the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) virus has highlighted the importance of addressing both physical and mental health challenges in parallel, as emerging infectious diseases can significantly impact mental well-being. Prevention plays a crucial role in mental health care, and we recommend allocating funds for the development and implementation of early intervention and prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. These efforts will help reduce the overall burden of mental health issues and promote a healthier population.
Ms. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School, Bangalore
As education is a key development sector, we have immense expectations from the upcoming budget. While new educational policies have brought promising reforms, the upcoming budget should focus on increasing access to education and technology, especially in rural and underserved areas. Building a blended ecosystem of digital tools, physical infrastructure, and practical learning environments will be essential for improving learning efficacy. Although education has seen an increase in funds allocated towards increasing outreach, skill development, and improving its quality, still there are hurdles in effectively supporting learning in the current context and overall student development in an increasingly challenging world.
The country will need skilled personnel at different levels, and this demand will be met only by training students at the school level. The foundation and vision set by the government through the NEP will be vital in achieving these objectives of an effective and inclusive education system. This commitment will stand as a testament to India’s dedication to fostering a generation equipped with the knowledge and skills crucial for global competitiveness.
It is important to increase women’s participation in STEM fields, which would be an important step toward building an inclusive workforce. We also believe that a further push to the PPP model approach in education can leverage the strengths and resources of both sectors to improve the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of education in the country. The education sector remains a cornerstone of a nation’s economic growth and development. By embracing these elements, the education system can transform to meet the aspirations of a globalized and rapidly evolving world.
Overall, the budget must give the education sector a significant boost to address the challenges of the day and build a dynamic, future-ready education system.
Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School, Bangalore
As the Union Budget approaches, we are hopeful that the government will prioritize education spending and implement policies that foster innovation, accessibility, and quality in schools. The budget should prioritize substantial investments in upgrading digital literacy among educators and fostering innovative teaching practices, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes nationwide. A higher allocation would support the establishment of new K-12 schools, enhance educational infrastructure to balance the urban-rural gap in education and improve overall educational outcomes across the country.
The increased allocation of funds will also ensure better quality government schools that educate the majority of children in India. We also believe that digitalisation should be at the forefront, ensuring greater access to meaningful educational resources tailored to the student’s needs. Such investments are pivotal for preparing students to thrive in a digital-first world and ensuring equitable access to quality education.
We also look forward to support for structured skilling programs, vocational training, application-based learning opportunities, and digital upskilling to align the workforce with emerging market demands. The reduction of interest rates on education loans will also help alleviate financial strain, enabling better access to education. We need to prioritize teacher training and development programmes as well as strengthen digital infrastructure to facilitate seamless learning experiences. Additionally, fostering partnerships with foreign educational institutions and promoting cultural exchange programs will enrich our educational offerings and nurture global citizenship among our students.
There is also a need to upscale the education system to attract more foreign students to our country to promote India as a global study destination. Looking ahead, we must strive to ensure that the learning experience remains meaningful and enriching. Overall, addressing these issues and the need for increased investment in education are crucial in achieving equitable and inclusive education for all.
Ms. Indu Kansal, Co-Founder, Crack Academy
The education sector has high hopes from the upcoming budget. Increased focus on skill development, research, and innovation is crucial to address future workforce demands. We expect more investments in digital education, rural connectivity, and infrastructure upgrades for tier 2 and 3 cities. Additionally, introducing tax benefits for education expenses would ease the financial burden on students and families. These measures can ensure a more inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education system.
Ankit Lodha, Founder of LA Empire pre-budget expectations
Ankit Lodha, the visionary founder of LA Empire, is a pioneering first-generation entrepreneur redefining the global rental and vacation home market. Ankit established LA Empire in 2022 after identifying significant inefficiencies in the U.S. rental landscape. He observed that renting apartments was fraught with fake listings, misleading prices, inconsistent communication, and a lack of transparency. Driven by a commitment to innovation, Ankit launched LA Empire to offer a streamlined and flexible rental experience.