The Union Budget 2025: Presented by a woman, for women

A new scheme is to be launched, where women entrepreneurs can avail themselves of up to ? 2 crore in loan benefits. This initiative, aimed at empowering women in business, will be available for the next five years.

From the first finance minister of independent India, R. K. Shanmukham Chetty, who presented the country's first Union Budget on November 26, 1947, to the first female finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, who presented her eighth consecutive budget on February 1, 2025, the focus has notably evolved towards promoting gender inclusivity and economic independence among women.

?This year’s budget, presented by a woman and designed with a strong focus on empowering women, marks a significant step toward realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. With a renewed emphasis on women-led businesses and gender-inclusive policies, the 2025 Budget underscores the critical role females will play in shaping India’s economic future.

?This also aligns with the idea that women are pivotal in shaping the success and future of a nation to prosper. From bridging gender equality to addressing the financial gap, this year's budget turned the tide and everyone's attention by presenting a supportive amount of up to ? 2 crore.

?So, while the highlight of the budget is the tax slab (rebate till 12 lakhs), one cannot overlook the country’s investment in its women, economy, and innovation.

Women, Work and the Economy

This scheme is a game-changer for women entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas who often struggle to access formal credit. By providing financial support and resources, the initiative will enable women to turn their business ideas into reality, scale their operations, and compete in the global market. It also sends a powerful message about the government’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable economic ecosystem.

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The Scheme's Goals

Encourage Financial Inclusion: The program seeks to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship and enable women to achieve financial independence by making credit easily accessible.

Promote Innovation: By helping women entrepreneurs reach their full potential, the program aims to promote creativity and innovation across a range of industries.

Increase Employment: It is anticipated that women-led companies will generate millions of jobs, boosting India's economy and lowering unemployment.

Achieve Gender Equality: The program supports India's efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by tackling the financial obstacles that women face.

A Step Toward Viksit Bharat 2047:

An important step toward achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 is the introduction of this scheme. In addition to promoting economic growth, the government is guaranteeing that women will be instrumental in determining India's future by empowering female entrepreneurs.

With this bold move, the Union Budget 2025 reaffirms its commitment to building a women-centric economy, where every woman has the opportunity to achieve her entrepreneurial dreams.

Four Engines of Development

1. Agriculture: The Backbone of India’s Economy Crop diversification and better supply chains are two initiatives that are lowering reliance on traditional crops and opening up new agribusiness opportunities.
2. MSME: The Growth Multiplier MSMEs are growing more competitive and can now make a substantial contribution to India's GDP thanks to easier access to credit and digital tools.
3. Investment—Fueling Growth and Innovation India is producing the next generation of entrepreneurs who will propel future growth by cultivating an ecosystem that is conducive to startups.
4. Exports—Expanding India’s Global Footprint Indian goods are becoming more competitive on the global market thanks to improved export incentives and logistics.

The Bottom Line

By boosting women-led enterprises, the budget has adopted a gender-lens approach across all sectors, ensuring that policies are designed to benefit women equally. Prioritizing women across various sectors has put them at the forefront to excel in traditionally male-dominated industries.