Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025, prioritizing the welfare of the poor, youth, farmers, and women, with a focus on fostering balanced growth across all sectors. A key highlight of the budget is its emphasis on women’s empowerment, with initiatives aimed at improving access to credit, enhancing entrepreneurial opportunities, and boosting nutritional support. Notably, the government has committed to providing Rs 2 crore term loans to 5 lakh first-time women entrepreneurs, particularly from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, marking a significant step towards promoting women’s entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Let us look at some reactions to the Budget by some enterprising women entrepreneurs.
> Joyshree Das Verma, National President, FICCI FLO
“As we analyze the proposed measures in the Union Budget, we applaud the government’s focus on empowering the less-recognized segments of our society, particularly women and marginalized communities. The introduction of term loans for 5 lakh women from SC/ST communities is a commendable step toward financial inclusion, providing critical resources for entrepreneurship. The Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programs will significantly improve nutrition for vulnerable children, mothers, and adolescent girls, laying the foundation for healthier future generations. The scheme for first-time entrepreneurs, especially women, SC/STs, presents immense potential for fostering innovation and economic growth. This budget reflects the government’s commitment to building an inclusive, self-reliant India, and at FICCI FLO, we are eager to collaborate in turning these initiatives into impactful successes. The Budget also offers strong support for MSMEs, with enhanced credit availability, new credit cards for micro-enterprises, and schemes to foster growth and job creation in labor-intensive sectors like footwear, toys, and food processing. I am truly optimistic about the transformative impact these measures will have on our economy and society.”
> Parbati Bhattacharya, Founder, Wanderers’ Footprints
“Tourism friendly budget, I hope they work on the recommendations particularly safety of women tourists.”
> Ruby Sinha, Founder, SheAtWork
“The Budget 2025 gives a boost to women entrepreneurs with a Rs 2 crore term loan for 5 lakh first-time women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs. MSMEs get a credit boost to build businesses and generate jobs. Giving a new momentum to the government’s efforts for ‘nari’-led development, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programme are initiated to provide nutritional support to over 8 crore children, 1 crore pregnant women, lactating mothers, and 20 lakh adolescent girls in aspirational districts and the northeast. This budget is indeed a unique opportunity for ‘sabka vikas’.”
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
