On February 1, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025-26, proposing reforms and new schemes for industry, MSMEs, social security, agriculture, and economic development.
New Government Schemes
1. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
Aimed at improving agricultural productivity in 100 districts with low output, this scheme will:
- Encourage sustainable farming and crop diversification
- Improve post-harvest storage and irrigation
- Provide better credit access for farmers
2. Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme
- This initiative seeks to reduce rural underemployment by:
- Creating job opportunities for young farmers and rural women
- Supporting small farmers with modernized agriculture
- Helping landless families with diverse livelihood options
3. Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
A six-year plan to boost domestic production of Urad, Tur, and Masoor dal. Key measures include:
- Climate-resilient seed development
- Assured procurement by government agencies
- Improved post-harvest storage and processing
4. Scheme for First-Time Entrepreneurs
A dedicated program for 5 lakh women and SC/ST entrepreneurs, offering:
Term loans up to ₹2 crore
Online capacity-building training
Support inspired by the Stand-Up India scheme
5. Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
Designed to improve nutrition for:
- 8 crore children
- 1 crore pregnant and lactating women
- 20 lakh adolescent girls in underserved regions
6. Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme
A new initiative providing digital books in Indian languages for school and higher education students.
7. Social Security for Gig Workers
- Online platform workers to get ID cards via the e-Shram portal
- Inclusion in PM Jan Arogya Yojana for healthcare benefits
8. SWAMIH Fund 2 for Housing
- ₹15,000 crore fund to complete 1 lakh affordable and mid-income housing units
- 50,000 stressed housing units to be finished by 2025
Key Changes to Existing Government Schemes
1. MSME Definition Expansion
The investment and turnover limits for MSME classification have been raised:
| Category | Investment Limit (₹ Cr) | Turnover Limit (₹ Cr) |
| Micro | 2.5 (up from 1) | 10 (up from 5) |
| Small | 25 (up from 10) | 100 (up from 50) |
| Medium | 125 (up from 50) | 500 (up from 250) |
2. Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) Expansion
Short-term loan limit increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh
Benefits extended to 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers
3. Credit Guarantee Fund Boost
Micro and Small Enterprises: Limit raised to ₹10 crore, unlocking ₹1.5 lakh crore in credit
Startups: Guarantee fund increased to ₹20 crore
Exporter MSMEs: Term loans up to ₹20 crore
Custom credit cards with ₹5 lakh limit for micro-enterprises
4. New ₹10,000 Crore Fund of Funds for Startups
To expand financial support for promising startups.
5. Atal Tinkering Labs Expansion
50,000 new labs in government schools to foster innovation in science and technology
6. PM SVANidhi Scheme Revamp
Enhanced bank loans and UPI-linked credit cards with ₹30,000 limit for street vendors
7. Jal Jeevan Mission Extension
Mission extended till 2028 to ensure 100% rural tap water coverage
Focus on better infrastructure quality and maintenance
8. UDAN – Regional Connectivity Expansion
120 new destinations to be connected
4 crore passengers expected in the next 10 years
9. PM Gati Shakti & National Geospatial Mission
Facilitating data-driven urban planning and infrastructure development
10. Boost to Tourism & Employment
Skill training in hospitality institutes
MUDRA loans for homestays
Better connectivity to tourist spots
Performance-based incentives for states
11. PM Research Fellowship Expansion
10,000 fellowships over five years for research in IITs and IISc
Conclusion
Budget 2025 presents initiatives for agriculture, rural jobs, MSMEs, housing, startups, and social welfare, aiming to enhance economic growth and social security for many Indians.
Stay informed and take advantage of these schemes for a better future!