Mr Suvendra Kumar Behera, Chairman, CII Eastern Region and Vice Chairman & Managing Director, RSB Transmissions (l) Ltd, said “The Union Budget presented today by the Hon’ble Finance Minister aims to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, invigorate private sector investment, uplift household sentiment, and enhance the spending power of India’s rising middle class. The Finance Minister’s announcements demonstrate a strong commitment to revitalizing Indian manufacturing.
The announcement on the National Manufacturing Mission will go a long way to provide a framework for growth. The continued focus of the Government of India on the eastern part of the country is very encouraging and agriculture, aviation, tourism in this region is set to receive further boost from the budget announcements. The focus on Northeast regional district to be boosted under the Udaan 2.0 facility, the announcement of a Greenfield airport to be set up in Bihar under Udaan 2.0 and additional facilities at Patna and Mithilanchal under Udaan 2.0 are welcome moves. The Budget aims to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, invigorate private sector investment, uplift household sentiment, and enhance the spending power of India’s rising middle class.”
Mr Shashwat Goenka, Deputy Chairman, CII Eastern Region and Vice Chairman, RP – Sanjiv Goenka Group said “The Union Budget presented by Hon’ble Finance Minister today is progressive, balanced and inclusive. The four key engines of agriculture, MSME, investment and exports will enhance our progress towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047. We, at CII, welcome the setting up of the 5 National Centres of Excellence for Skilling with global expertise and partnerships to equip our youth for ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ manufacturing. The government’s focus on easier export credit, cross-border support, and MSME assistance is a decisive step toward strengthening India’s global trade position. The establishment of National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar and the focus on Makhana as a superfood will give a strong fillip to development of Food processing entrepreneurship in the Eastern region as well as enable farmers growth and opportunities for enhanced income. The focus on Northeast regional district to be boosted under the Udaan 2.0 facility, the announcement of a Greenfield airport to be set up in Bihar, and additional facilities at Patna and Mithilanchal under Udaan 2.0 exemplifies the Act East Policy of the government.”
Mr Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, Past Chairman, CII Eastern Region and Founder & Chairman, Former MD & CEO, Bandhan Group, said “The focus on MSME and entrepreneurship, including women entrepreneurship, is particularly encouraging, in my view.”
Mr Prosenjit Sengupta, Chairman, CII Eastern Region ICT Subcommittee and Group CDIO, ITC Ltd. said, “CII welcomes the establishment of National Centres of Excellence to transform Smart Manufacturing in India. These hubs will spearhead advancements in AI, skilling, and innovation, driving digital transformation, enhancing automation, and preparing the workforce with future-ready skills to bolster India’s global competitiveness.”
Sanjay Sabherwal, Chairman, CII ER MSME Subcommittee and Managing Director & CEO, Metaldyne Work Ltd., said “The 2025 budget is a significant milestone for MSMEs, recognizing them as an engine of growth and enhancing their classification limits to boost their potential. The introduction of customized credit cards for micro enterprises and the new scheme for women entrepreneurs are commendable steps. The significant increase in the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups and the focus on making India a global hub for toys are important for MSMEs. The establishment of an institute for food processing in Bihar and the National Manufacturing Mission will provide much-needed policy support to industries in the East and will be a catalyst for rural employment. This budget empowers MSMEs further,making it easier for them to access loans and thrive in the competitive market.”
Mr Samir Agarwal, Co – Chairman, Banking & Financial Services (BFSI) Subcommittee and Founder Indcap Advisors Pvt Ltd., highlighted that the Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, introduces significant measures aimed at stimulating economic growth and providing relief to the middle class.
“Big relief for taxpayers! Income up to Rs 12 lakh will be tax-free under the new regime, easing the financial burden on the middle class, boosting disposable income, and promoting economic growth. Simplified taxation supports financial empowerment, benefiting individuals and businesses for a more prosperous economy. Additionally, the India Post initiative to transform it into a major public logistics organization has the potential to be a game changer if implemented and executed effectively”, Mr Shoummo K Acharya, Sr Member – CII Logistics Subcommittee (ER) & Founder, Chairman & MD, eTrans Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Mr Pradip K Agarwal, Past Chairman, CII Education & Skill Development Subcommittee & CEO, Heritage Group of Institution, said “The government’s bold initiatives in education and skill development, including broadband connectivity in schools, 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, and the Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak Scheme, will bridge the digital divide and promote linguistic inclusivity. Establishing Centres for Excellence in Skilling and AI in Education, along with 10,000 fellowships for technological research, reflects a strong commitment to future-ready skills and innovation. These visionary steps will empower youth, foster creativity, and position India as a global leader in the knowledge economy.”
Mr Bijay Murmuria, BFS Subcommittee and Director, Sumedha Fiscal Services Ltd, outlined that the Budget is continuing the prudent path of fiscal consolidation, structural reforms and putting thrust on Startups and MSME sectors.
Ms Sujata Guin, Chairman, CII IWN – West Bengal Chapter & & Chief Human Resources Officer & Senior Vice President, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels highlighted that the government focus on women, personal tourism was well received. Announcement on Medical or Spiritual tourism will take us a long way.
Mr Rishi Jain, Co Chairman, Family Business Network, CII Eastern Region & Managing Director, Jain Group underscored that the UDAAN scheme has boosted regional connectivity with 88 airports & 619 routes, benefiting 1.5 Cr passengers! A revamped UDAAN scheme will add 120 new destinations in 10 years, benefiting 4 Cr passengers, unlocking new tourism hubs, jobs & local livelihoods.
“This year budget has a few steps to empower startups and innovation with funding boosts by providing additional fund in FoF of startups. It also provides additional fund in FoF for deep tech startups encouraging more participation in startups to continue the growth path. Other regulatory reforms including rationalisation of Tax regulations will also support startups to grow faster. Overall there is a vision to drive sustainable growth in the digital age through startups and MSMEs”, said Dr Dipankar Chakrabarti, Founder, CtoE Consultancy Services.
 Ltd, said “The Union Budget presented today by the Hon’ble Finance Minister aims to accelerate growth, secure inclusive development, invigorate private sector investment, uplift household sentiment, and enhance the spending power of India’s rising middle class.){kind=link}