On Education and Employment

Kavita Kerawalla, Vice Chairperson of VIBGYOR Group of Schools: "The allocation of Rs. 1.48 lakh crore in the last Budget for education, employment, and skilling was a commendable step in strengthening India’s position as a global talent hub. As we approach the next Union Budget, we are hopeful that a significant share will go towards education, particularly for teacher training. Investing in our educators is key to building a skilled and inclusive workforce ready to tackle future challenges. Such investments will boost both foundational and higher education, giving our youth the skills they need to excel in a competitive job market. These steps will also ensure quality education reaches every corner of the country, helping bridge the digital divide and bringing the benefits of technology to all students.

We believe the upcoming Budget should focus on building strong digital infrastructure to support blended learning, narrow the rural-urban gap, and scale technology-driven education programs. This will help us thrive in the digital era, preparing students for a tech-focused world. These initiatives won’t just empower our youth—they will also drive India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. We hope to see a focus on modernizing education to match industry needs while encouraging the growth of the EdTech sector.

Drawing inspiration from forerunners of India, Union Budget 2025 is likely to turn the aspirations into reality ensuring that India becomes a global leader through innovation and development

Such moves will greatly benefit private institutions like ours, helping us strengthen tech infrastructure, run advanced teacher training, and adopt sustainability measures. We’re optimistic about continued government support in these areas to help us contribute more effectively to India’s education system."

On Logistics Industry

Venu Kondur, Co-Founder and CEO, Lobb: “As we approach the 2025 Union Budget, we expect the government to prioritize substantial investments in infrastructure, multimodal logistics hubs, and digital platforms to address the evolving needs of the logistics ecosystem. These efforts align with the Amrit Kaal plan, which focuses on building a future-ready economy and boosting India’s global competitiveness. Additionally, optimizing logistics costs will play an important role in supporting India’s aspiration to become a $10 trillion economy. Initiatives like smart logistics parks, IoT-enabled transport systems, and advanced port and highway technologies will significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize the sector’s carbon footprint.

Furthermore, we suggest the government provide capital investment relief for small truck owners by removing the GST. Smaller fleet owners often face challenges accessing financing and capital, and the removal of GST would ease their capital expenditure. This would also make it more affordable to expand or maintain their fleets, ultimately fostering more efficient competition in the market.

Additionally, the government should also consider introducing fiscal incentives for startups innovating in AI-powered route optimization, multimodal connectivity, and green logistics. We also expect tax rebates for companies adopting EVs and LNG trucks, which will drive sustainability in the sector. Furthermore, reconsidering TDS exemptions is essential for this low-margin sector (3–4%) facing long payment cycles, while a more transparent and faceless GST process will encourage compliance.

Finally, we anticipate increased investments in dedicated freight corridors, automation, and real-time analytics to reduce transit times and operational costs, ensuring India remains a global leader in logistics”.

Certainly, it becomes evident that the Union Budget 2025 is a previewing blueprint for India’s future. With innovative ideas and a restless drive of aspirations, the upcoming year going to be a new era of growth and success. By aligning with the aspirations of these startup visionaries, the government can create strong policies and create a ground-breaking environment that fosters innovation, empowers entrepreneurship, and pushes India towards a stunning future.