The Indian Union Budget 2025 was unveiled on February 1, marking the 14th consecutive budget under the Narendra Modi government since 2014, including two interim budgets ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 and 2024.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a ₹20,000 crore allocation to boost private sector-driven research.
In the healthcare sector, the government set aside ₹90,959 crore for the development, maintenance, and enhancement of medical infrastructure.
The budget also prioritizes education, with a focus on expanding IITs and medical institutions, launching the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to introduce digital books in Indian languages, and establishing a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education, backed by a ₹500 crore investment.
Sachidanand Upadhyay, MD, Lord’s Mark Industries Limited, said, “The government’s focus on strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure under the Viksit Bharat vision is commendable. The establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres across all district hospitals and 200 cancer centres in FY 2025-26 will significantly improve access to life-saving treatment for patients across the country.”
Upadhyay believes the exemption and concessional duty on essential medicines and bulk drugs will make critical treatments more affordable, especially for those battling cancer, rare diseases, and chronic conditions: “These measures will provide much-needed relief to patients and help build a more resilient healthcare ecosystem. We fully support these initiatives and remain committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective healthcare solutions to ensure every Indian has access to life-saving treatments.”
Meanwhile, the commitment to adding 10,000 seats in medical colleges, enhancing IIT capacities, and setting up 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs is a monumental step toward nurturing a future-ready workforce.
Atul Temurnikar, Chairman & Co-Founder, Global Schools Foundation, shared, “I am thrilled to see the government’s visionary focus on expanding infrastructure, fostering innovation, and bridging the skill gap in India. By integrating global expertise into skilling centers and empowering rural youth through multi-sectoral programs, we are not just building institutions but creating ecosystems of opportunity.”
“The emphasis on broadband connectivity for schools and healthcare centers, along with the establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar, reflects a holistic approach to education and rural prosperity. This budget is a blueprint for Vikashit Bharat—a nation where quality education, innovation, and inclusivity drive sustainable growth and global leadership,” Temurnikar added.
Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) Greater Noida, highlighted that the Union Budget 2025 aims to drive transformative reforms across six domains, envisioning a Viksit Bharat with quality education, and affordable, comprehensive healthcare.
She emphasized the budget’s focus on inclusive growth and its potential to position India as a global leader in technology through investments in AI, cloud computing, 5G, and cybersecurity. The establishment of three AI Centres of Excellence, backed by Rs 500 crore, will advance research, innovation, and skill development, while increased funding for educational infrastructure will prepare a future-ready workforce.
Additionally, micro-enterprises (up to Rs 1 crore investment, Rs 5 crore turnover) will benefit from doubled credit guarantees to Rs 10 crore, enabling Rs 1.5 lakh crore in additional credit over five years, alongside customized credit cards, while small and medium enterprises see expanded investment and turnover thresholds.
“This budget aligns with Atal Incubation Centre (AIC BIMTECH) mission to transform India’s startup ecosystem by providing unparalleled support and resources to entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and building a sustainable, thriving startup community for a better future,” she remarked.
Lastly, the enhancement of the Fund of Funds with a ₹10,000 crore contribution represents a significant boost to India’s startup ecosystem. While this isn’t exclusively focused on AI, the expanded scope opens doors for various sectors, including AI startups that are building innovative solutions.
“The substantial corpus and broadened investment mandate could create a more robust funding environment across the startup landscape. It will be interesting to observe how different sectors, including the AI industry, leverage this opportunity in the months ahead,” noted Ronik Patel, Co-founder & CEO, Weam.ai.
