Beyond funding, the focus must be on program quality and measurable outcomes, one or two voices say.

Kamal Bali, President & MD – Volvo Group in India: It is one of the most thoughtful, pragmatic and inclusive budgets, that addresses most sections of our society and economy. A growth oriented budget which continues to be large on infrastructure capex, and on schemes for skilling & employment generation, yet fiscally responsible with a good glide path, for controlled inflation & macroeconomic stability.

Pankaj Kalra, CEO, EOGEPL: The Union Budget’s emphasis on energy transition and sustainability is commendable. It highlights the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability through appropriate energy transition pathways. We remain confident about India’s energy future and eager to collaborate with the government on policies that ensure energy security, affordability, and accessibility, thereby supporting our Nation’s growth aspirations.

Vaidyanathan Srinivasan, Operating Partner – Essar Capital: The new budget’s emphasis on ownership, leasing, and flagging reforms is an important step for the Indian shipping industry. By simplifying registration processes and incentivising flagging of ships, we anticipate a significant revival in our national fleet’s competitiveness. This move will not only increase India’s share in the global shipping market but also create substantial employment opportunities, marking a robust comeback from the drastic reduction in our global shipping share from 60% in 1969 to a mere 6% in 2020.”

Vaibhav Kaushik, Co – founder & CEO, Nawgati: I am elated by the government’s decision to abolish the angel tax for all classes of investors. It is what we, and the whole startup community, were looking forward to. This move will now give the Indian startup ecosystem the needed boost, allowing us to attract international funding and expand our reach beyond national borders. The establishment of a ₹1 lakh crore financing pool for private sector-driven research and innovation is a commendable step, aligning with every startup’s vision for commercial-scale advancements. Additionally, the comprehensive plan to strengthen India’s energy security with new policies and initiatives is a promising development for our industry. These steps along with other targeted incentives specifically for startups can play a crucial role in bolstering and sustaining our momentum and driving further innovation in the Indian startup ecosystem.