Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President of the Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society

“We are immensely thankful to Govt of India & especially Hon’ble Finance Minister for great work done for Sickle Cell disease in the previous budgets, wherein allocations have been made for its eradication by 2047, but unfortunately, the bigger evil the most lethal and dreaded disease “Thalassemia”, which is also a genetic blood disorder like sickle cell anemia fails to find any mention in the previous budgets, which is a very grave blunder, which needs to be rectified with immediate effect in the coming budget.

Both, Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalassemia are same type of disease with a little difference, thalassemia is much more severe and the methodology for eradicating them are the same and in both cases, patients survive by periodic blood transfusion for a life time, which is horror in itself and both of them can be eradicated and nations have eradicated them, by simple HbA2 blood test, which needs to be made mandatory by the Government. Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalassemia are two sides of same coin, both of them are to be taken together for eradication efforts, kindly rectify the error.”

“We are very much positive towards the upcoming Budget as the govt has been considerate with its allocations for conditions such as sickle cell anaemia and unfortunately thalassemia has been left out in the previous budgets. The most noteworthy one was the allocation of significant budget towards tackling sicklecell anemia, aiming to eliminate it by 2047, with a focus on universal screening, counseling, and comprehensive management programs. However there is a greater need for Budget 2025-26 to broaden its scope. As we approach the upcoming Union Budget 2025-2026, Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society urges Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman, Finance – Govt of India to prioritize advancements in medical diagnostics, particularly for genetic blood disorders such as thalassemia and sickle cell. We expect targeted investments in affordable, accessible diagnostic services, as well as enhanced funding for research and healthcare infrastructure. The need for early detection, specialized care, and patient-centered solutions has never been more pressing. We hope the budget reflects a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions at large.

Mr. Randhir Chauhan, Managing Director, Netafim India

The Union Budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to reshape India’s agriculture sector by prioritizing innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Focused investments in infrastructure, water efficiency, and technological innovation, combined with supportive policies, can unlock significant growth potential for farmers. These measures will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also drive broader economic progress, contributing to a more resilient agricultural future for India.

Granting infrastructure status to the micro-irrigation industry will help the sector and allied industries to flourish, which is predominantly made up of MSMEs, accounting for 95% of the overall Agri sector. It can substantially reduce operational costs, lower equipment prices, and drive expansion. Integrating renewable energy, such as solar installations, with micro-irrigation systems can further enhance energy efficiency, cut costs, and boost profitability for farmers.

India’s agricultural R&D investment is currently below 1% of its Agri-GDP. This needs urgent redressal. Allocating more funds to the Agri Innovation Fund would stimulate Agri-tech startups, foster digital solutions, and promote the adoption of smart farming, precision agriculture, and cutting-edge irrigation technologies.

Additionally, targeted schemes like Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) aim to tackle pressing issues in irrigation, mechanization, and agricultural infrastructure. After being subsumed under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in the 2022-23 budget, the PDMC has become a flagship program. With subsidies ranging from 45% to 55% for micro-irrigation systems, and several states offering top-up subsidies, this scheme holds immense promise. Yet, to unlock its full potential, it must remain a centralized and standalone initiative. Centralizing PDMC ensures uniformity in implementation, offering clear guidelines and reducing the inconsistencies caused by state-level variations in subsidy distribution. This oversight will allow for strategic prioritization of regions facing severe water scarcity, which is crucial to combating India’s growing water crisis.

Moreover, there is vast untapped potential to improve water efficiency, especially in oilseed cultivation. Despite oilseeds occupying only 13% of cropped area, they contribute a mere 6% in value terms. Adopting drip irrigation and other high-efficiency methods could conserve up to 60% of water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance productivity. Expanding micro irrigation into canal command areas and incentivizing crop diversification into oilseeds, oil palm, and millets would not only increase climate resilience but also bolster farmer incomes.

With ever depleting Ground water table, we need to have a push for adoption of Drip in water guzzling crops like Rice, wheat, and sugarcane. When we export sugar or Basmati rice, we are exporting water which is very scarce resource. Also, in crops like rice, we can reduce the release our GHGs by adoption of Drip Irrigation.

Mr. Rajesh Sharma, MD Capri Global Capital Ltd.

“As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, the NBFC sector looks forward to policy measures that will bolster its pivotal role in India’s economic growth. NBFCs play a crucial role in extending credit to underserved segments such as MSMEs, Housing, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy, contributing significantly to inclusive development. Establishment of a dedicated liquidity facility through the Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), aimed at ensuring affordable credit flow to priority sectors would be beneficial. This initiative would support small and mid-sized NBFCs by providing competitive-rate funds, reducing dependency on high-cost borrowing. Empowered with steady capital, NBFCs can effectively meet the credit needs of sectors crucial for job creation, rural development, and sustainable economic growth.

Anticipated reforms like reducing the SARFAESI Act’s loan threshold to ₹1 lakh, could expedite asset resolution and bolster financial resilience. Additionally, a proposed market-making mechanism could streamline funding access, enhancing the ability to serve priority sectors effectively. Such reforms if implemented, would further help NBFCs to contribute significantly to India’s economic aspirations, ensuring inclusive and sustainable progress.”

Mr. Jasdeep Singh, Group CEO, CARE Hospitals

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is a key opportunity to strengthen India’s healthcare system by making it more affordable, accessible, and innovative. At CARE Hospitals, we hope to see a higher allocation for public healthcare spending to close gaps in infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas. Expanding Ayushman Bharat to cover outpatient care and diagnostics, along with promoting preventive health programs, can help address the growing challenges of both communicable and non-communicable diseases while ensuring quality healthcare for everyone.

Cancer is a major health concern in our country, putting a heavy financial and emotional strain on people. To make cancer care more affordable, reducing customs duties and GST on essential equipment like LINACs would improve access to advanced treatment in underserved areas. It’s also important to revise reimbursement rates under government schemes like CGHS, PMJAY, and ECHS by linking them to inflation, as many rates have stayed the same for nearly a decade.

To position India as a global healthcare hub, creating a dedicated fund to promote high-quality healthcare and medical tourism is essential. Such measures can not only enhance our healthcare system but also boost India’s stature globally. The government should also prioritize funding research and development in the MedTech sector, incentivizing innovation, and transitioning to quality-linked procurement standards for value-based care.

Encouraging digital health solutions, medical research, and public-private partnerships can help India stay ahead in healthcare innovation. Providing tax benefits and supportive policies for healthcare providers will also be crucial in meeting new health challenges. At CARE Hospitals, we are committed to patient-focused care and hope this budget will empower healthcare providers to reduce gaps, improve outcomes, and make healthcare a key driver of national growth.”

Dr Rohan Dutta, Associate Professor, Anant School For Climate Action

“As India strives to achieve its climate action goals and transition towards a sustainable future, the Union Budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to prioritise climate education in alignment with the visions of the National Education Policy 2020, and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. I expect increased budgetary allocations to incorporate climate literacy at all levels of education, from primary schools to higher institutions. This must include curriculum redesigns focused on sustainability, renewable energy, conservation, and practical skill-building programs for green jobs. Investments in teacher training and digital resources can enhance the reach and effectiveness of climate education, especially in rural and underserved areas. Collaboration with industries and research institutions can foster innovation hubs within educational institutions, promoting climate solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges.

Climate change is no longer abstract – it directly affects livelihoods, health, and economies. Therefore, empowering the next generation with knowledge and solutions is an investment in long-term resilience. The 2025 Union Budget must demonstrate a commitment to making climate education a cornerstone of national development, aligning with global best practices and India’s ambitious sustainability commitments. Only with informed citizens can India truly lead in creating a sustainable and climate-resilient world.”