India Budget 2025-26: Can it be a Game Changer for Women Entrepreneurs and Salaried Women
The India Budget 2025-26 brings forth a series of reforms and initiatives that can significantly impact women entrepreneurs and salaried women. With a focus on inclusive development, the budget introduces policies that aim to enhance financial accessibility, promote entrepreneurship, and uplift household sentiments, especially for women.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
One of the standout announcements in this budget is the Scheme for First-Time Entrepreneurs, which is set to provide term loans up to ₹2 crore for 5 lakh first-time entrepreneurs, including women. This initiative will be instrumental in addressing the financial barriers that many women face when starting their businesses. Additionally, the revision in classification criteria for MSMEs and the introduction of customized Credit Cards for Micro Enterprises with a ₹5 lakh limit will help women-led small businesses access capital more easily.
Another significant boost comes from the PM SVANidhi scheme, which has been revamped to offer enhanced loans, UPI-linked credit cards, and capacity-building support. Many women engage in informal sector businesses, and this support can help them formalize and expand their ventures.
Moreover, the Focus Product Scheme for Footwear and Leather Sectors ,which is expected to generate employment for 22 lakh people, can create immense opportunities for women entrepreneurs looking to tap into the growing demand for sustainable and high-quality products.
Impact on Salaried Women
For salaried women, the budget introduces several tax relief measures aimed at increasing disposable income and improving financial security. A key highlight is the tax deduction limit for senior citizens, which has been doubled from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, benefiting many retired women. Additionally, the annual limit for TDS on rent has been increased from ₹2.4 lakh to ₹6 lakh, which can ease financial burdens for women renting properties.
The budget also expands social security by improving the e-Shram portal and healthcare benefits under PM Jan Arogya Yojana for online platform workers. This will particularly help gig workers, many of whom are women, to access healthcare and financial protection.
Bridging the Skill Gap and Boosting Women’s Workforce Participation
Investments in education and skill development have the potential to bridge the gender gap in employment. The establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for skilling, the expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs, and the provision of broadband connectivity in government schools will empower young girls to acquire future-ready skills.
The budget also introduces a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education, with an outlay of ₹500 crore. This initiative can play a transformative role in ensuring that women have access to digital education and AI-driven opportunities, a critical factor in improving women’s workforce participation in the technology sector.
Women in Rural Economy and Financial Inclusion
For rural women, the India Post initiative as a catalyst for the rural economy is promising. It aims to provide institutional account services, credit services for micro-enterprises, and assisted digital services, all of which can help women entrepreneurs in villages scale their businesses.
Additionally, the Jal Jeevan Mission, extended until 2028, will provide 100% coverage of clean water access, easing the burden on rural women who spend hours fetching water. This, in turn, allows them to engage in income-generating activities or pursue education.
Unlocking Opportunities: How Women Can Leverage These Policies
While the government has laid down the foundation, it is essential for women to actively leverage these policies. Here’s how:
- Entrepreneurs should explore loan and credit schemes under MSME reforms and the first-time entrepreneur scheme to scale their businesses.
- Salaried women must review tax benefits and plan their investments accordingly to maximize savings.
- Women in the gig economy should register on the e-Shram portal to access social security and healthcare benefits.
- Students and professionals should upskill in AI and digital fields to stay competitive in the evolving job market.
- Rural women should tap into India Post’s financial services to integrate their businesses with the formal economy.
Why Every Citizen Must Read and Understand Budget Policies
Budgets are not just about taxation; they shape the economic landscape and influence opportunities in the long and short run. Whether it is identifying business opportunities, securing financial independence, or planning long-term growth, understanding budget policies is crucial.
By staying informed, women can proactively enter spaces and industries that have historically been male-dominated. This budget, with its emphasis on inclusivity and financial empowerment, provides an excellent platform for women to strengthen their economic footprint.
As we move towards ‘Viksit Bharat,’ it is essential that every woman recognizes the transformative potential of these policies and takes actionable steps to benefit from them. The future is promising, but only if we actively participate in shaping it.
