On February 1 at 11 AM, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget 2025-26. The projected growth rate for this budget is estimated between 6.3% and 6.8%. This session is expected to bring relief to farmers, with significant benefits for the middle class and youth.
Key issues like unemployment and income tax reforms may take center stage in this budget session. The government may increase the installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. The focus of the Union Budget 2025-26 is expected to be on the middle class, with major announcements related to income tax expected. The youth, senior citizens, and women of the country have high expectations from this budget. Women, in particular, hope for increased budget allocations for schemes such as Mission Shakti, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and Janani Suraksha Yojana.
Senior citizens across the country are demanding tax exemption for annual incomes up to ₹10 lakh. Additionally, they seek higher returns on savings since they do not have a regular income source. They expect the government to increase the basic exemption limit under the new tax regime from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. There is also hope that the government will increase house rent allowance (HRA) limits in metro cities to support elderly citizens.
Before the commencement of the Budget Session 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media at the Parliament premises. He invoked Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity, stating that remembering her at the start of the Budget Session is auspicious, as she blesses wisdom, prosperity, and well-being. He prayed for special blessings for the poor and middle-class citizens of the country.
Calling this the first full budget session of his third term, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that by 2047, when India completes 100 years of independence, it will have achieved its goal of becoming a developed nation.
Government Moving in Mission Mode towards Holistic Development: PM Modi emphasized that in its third term, the government is working in mission mode for comprehensive geographical, social, and economic development. He highlighted that historic bills and proposals will be discussed in this session, leading to strong nation-building. Additionally, he reiterated his government’s commitment to restoring the dignity of women and ensuring equal rights beyond religious and sectarian divides.
Reform, Perform, and Transform – Key to India’s Rapid Growth: Emphasizing the principle of Reform, Perform, and Transform, PM Modi stressed that state and central governments must work together to deliver results, while public participation will drive transformation. He pointed out that India's youth will be the biggest beneficiaries of these reforms.
The Prime Minister compared this moment to the 1930s and 1940s, when young people fought for independence, ensuring that by 1947, India became free. Similarly, he said, the next 25 years are dedicated to building a prosperous and developed India.
PM Modi’s Hopes for the Budget Session: The Prime Minister expressed hope that this budget session will meet the aspirations of the nation. He also remarked that, for the first time since 2014, there have been no external attempts to create disturbances before the session begins. He noted that for the past 10 years, every budget session has seen external efforts to disrupt proceedings, but this year marks a positive change.
