Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Women professionals have expressed their support for the Union Budget 2025, highlighting its provisions that could promote economic self-reliance among women, enhance financial inclusion, and boost small businesses.
They welcomed the emphasis on Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, provision of insurance for gig workers, and investments in artificial intelligence research. While optimistic about the potential benefits, they stressed that the success of these initiatives would depend on their effective implementation.
‘More needs to be done’
Soumya Saxena Gender Lead at ActionAid
“The budget includes several provisions that women entrepreneurs will appreciate, such as access to loans, particularly for women from SC and ST communities. The increase in funding for Mission Shakti, which supports women survivors of violence, is also a step in the right direction. However, there is still a need for more funding for women workers in the informal sector and for the training of women entrepreneurs to ensure these policies lead to real empowerment.”
– Soumya Saxena, Gender Lead at ActionAid
‘Good for entrepreneurs’
Anshu Gupta, President of Madhya Pradesh Mahila Udyam Sangh
“Budget 2025 brings great news for women entrepreneurs. Initiatives like the launch of Mahila Udyam Yojana and a special loan scheme for women will help them grow their businesses. The training and capacity-building programmes for women entrepreneurs will provide much-needed support to help them succeed and achieve financial independence”
– Anshu Gupta President of Madhya Pradesh Mahila Udyam Sangh
‘More money in pocket’
Aarti Sinha, Sound Healer
“The budget introduces several initiatives that benefit both women and the health sector. Providing health insurance for gig workers, which could impact many women in the informal sector, is a valuable step. Additionally, the new tax regime, which exempts incomes up to Rs 12 lakh from income tax, may help women in lower-income brackets. These measures are critical for promoting financial inclusion and expanding healthcare access”
– Aarti Sinha, Sound Healer
‘Reduces tax burden’
Shibani Ghosh, Founder of Parvarish- The Museum School
‘Service sector neglected’
“The new income tax regime, which reduces the tax burden on the middle class, will leave more disposable income in people’s hands, encouraging savings and investment. As an educator, I’m particularly pleased with the focus on education and health, including the promotion of Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, which will nurture creativity and innovation among young students”
-Shibani Ghosh, Founder of Parvarish- The Museum School
‘Service sector neglected’
Renu Yadav Principal of Prestige Institute of Management and Research
“While there are many positive initiatives, particularly for startups and small businesses, women have been somewhat overlooked in this budget. The service sector, which employs many women, has not received enough attention. However, the allocation for AI research and the increase in funding for MSMEs and micro-businesses are encouraging steps toward supporting entrepreneurship”
– Renu Yadav Principal of Prestige Institute of Management and Research
‘Inclusive growth’
Manisha Anand Corporate Trainer
“As an independent woman, I’m particularly pleased with the government’s announcement to provide term loans up to Rs 2 crore for first-time borrowers, especially women and those from SC/ST communities. This move will promote inclusive economic growth and help remove financial barriers for women, enabling them to become financially independent and self-reliant.”
– Manisha Anand Corporate Trainer
