Mumbai, February 04, 2025: RBL Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, proudly announces the launch of RBL Bank Shiksha Scholarship 2024-25, an initiative aimed at providing financial support and mentorship to students from economically weaker sections pursuing full-time undergraduate courses across India.

The Shiksha Scholarship Program addresses critical barriers to education by offering financial assistance of up to INR 20,000 per student per year, or the actual course fees, whichever is lower. Over a three-year undergraduate program, eligible students can receive up to INR 60,000, based on their annual performance evaluation.

The program will empower up to 300 students over three years. In addition to financial assistance, the scholarship includes a structured mentoring program where RBL Bank employees and external mentors will guide students and offer professional insights to support their growth and future career readiness. The scholarship amounts will be disbursed directly towards tuition fees

Speaking on the launch, R. Subramaniakumar, Managing Director and CEO, RBL Bank, said, “At RBL Bank, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and create a brighter future for individuals and communities. The RBL Bank Shiksha Scholarship program is a step forward in supporting deserving students across India in their educational journey. By providing financial assistance and mentorship, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders who will contribute to the country’s growth and development. We are proud to play a role in shaping the future of education in India and are committed to making a meaningful impact through this initiative.”

Avantika Gupta, CEO, OPG Power Ventures

“The Government has presented a pragmatic roadmap that builds a robust foundation for a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ while also deploying stringent guardrails to ensure a low carbon output.

The emphasis on fortifying India’s energy security while also realizing committed decarbonization goals, shall accelerate India’s sustainable growth paradigm in the decades to come.

Focus on innovation, and strengthening domestic manufacturing in critical areas such as grid-scale batteries, electrolyzers, solar cells, wind turbines, and nuclear power will be instrumental in shaping India’s energy future. The establishment of five National Centres for Excellence in Skilling, incentives for electricity distribution reforms, and strategic amendments to the Atomic Energy Act will further enable a robust, self-reliant energy ecosystem.

By incentivizing states to drive reforms and expanding intrastate transmission capacity, we are moving toward a stronger, more efficient power sector. The additional borrowing allowance for states committed to these reforms reflects the government’s dedication to long-term stability and sustainability. These measures shall strengthen the financial health of power companies and pave the way for a resilient energy infrastructure that supports economic growth and industrial expansion across the country.

The launch of the Nuclear Energy Mission, with a ₹20,000 crore outlay for Small Modular Reactors, and the vision to develop 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, marks a transformative step towards a clean energy transition. Additionally, the exemption of critical minerals like cobalt, lithium-ion battery waste, and zinc from basic customs duty will enhance domestic supply chains and accelerate India’s energy security.”

By Mr. Chandrakant Patel, MD, Ice Make Refrigeration Ltd.

The Union Budget 2025 introduces a transformative vision for India’s industrial and logistics sectors, aimed at boosting trade efficiency, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering economic growth. With an ambitious export target of $2 trillion by 2030, the budget outlines key policy reforms and strategic investments to enhance supply chain efficiency, attract substantial investments, and support initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
A significant highlight of the budget is the continued emphasis on PM Gati Shakti and the Bharat Trade Net platform, designed to integrate and optimize manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics operations. These initiatives aim to reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain connectivity, and promote seamless trade movement across the country. The National Logistics Policy (NLP), launched in 2022, plays a pivotal role in this strategy, with a target to lower logistics costs from 13–14% of GDP to a global benchmark of 8%. Achieving this goal requires extensive investment in multimodal transport corridors, digital freight systems, and last-mile connectivity, particularly in emerging industrial zones. The budget also focuses on simplifying export compliance procedures and reducing regulatory costs, making Indian industries more competitive in the global market.

MSMEs to Benefit from Enhanced Logistics and Infrastructure
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of India’s economy, contributing 45% to total exports and 30% to GDP. Despite their significant role, MSMEs often face logistical challenges, including high transportation costs and limited access to advanced logistics infrastructure. The budget aims to address these issues by developing regional logistics hubs, improving transport connectivity, and facilitating capital access for MSMEs, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. By leveraging technology-driven solutions and strengthening supply chains, these initiatives will help MSMEs expand their reach and boost exports.

E-Commerce and Digital Trade Expansion
With India’s e-commerce sector projected to reach $350 billion by 2030, an efficient logistics framework is crucial for its continued expansion. The budget proposes measures to expedite e-commerce clearances, streamline cross-border transactions, and integrate technology-driven clearance processes. These reforms will particularly benefit small businesses and digital-first enterprises looking to expand into international markets.
Additionally, the government’s push for digital freight management and AI-driven logistics optimization is expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and make Indian exports more globally competitive. Investment in automation and smart warehousing will further strengthen supply chain reliability and sustainability.

Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Cold Chain Logistics
The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors rely heavily on timely, efficient, and temperature-sensitive logistics networks to transport vaccines, medical supplies, and critical drugs. Recognizing this, the budget is expected to include provisions to enhance healthcare logistics infrastructure, strengthen cold chain networks, and ensure the safe and rapid distribution of medical essentials.

With India’s role as a leading pharmaceutical exporter, improvements in air cargo facilities, regulatory frameworks, and transport infrastructure will reinforce global supply chains and ensure that Indian pharmaceutical exports remain competitive in international markets.

The Role of Critical Minerals and EV Supply Chain
The budget also emphasizes the Critical Mineral Mission, a key initiative aimed at strengthening India’s global defense and energy security. By securing a stable supply of essential minerals required for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and high-tech industries, the budget supports India’s long-term industrial growth. Additionally, EV manufacturing and battery technology development receive substantial incentives, further driving innovation in sustainable transportation and clean energy solutions.

Fiscal Prudence and Economic Stability
A major positive of the budget is its prudent approach to fiscal deficit reduction and debt control, which strengthens investor confidence in Indian government bonds and supports currency stability (INR). By ensuring balanced fiscal management while fostering infrastructure growth, the government is creating a stable economic environment conducive to long-term investments.

Middle-Class Tax Relief
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a host of measures while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in the Parliament on February 1, Saturday. The most important for middle-class and salaried taxpayers was the ‘zero’ income tax for those earning up to ₹12 lakh (or ₹12.75 lakh for salaried taxpayers with a basic standard deduction of ₹75,000). The government has established new tax slabs to significantly lower middle-class taxes and give them more money. This initiative aims to increase disposable income, thereby driving consumption and economic growth.

Strong foundation for Visit Bharat
The Union Budget 2025 lays a strong foundation for India’s logistics and industrial sectors, with a sharp focus on infrastructure modernization, regulatory simplification, and economic resilience. By strengthening MSMEs, e-commerce, healthcare, and manufacturing supply chains, the budget aims to create a seamless trade ecosystem that supports India’s economic ambitions. As India progresses toward ‘Viksit Bharat’, these reforms will drive sustained growth, global competitiveness, and long-term industrial success.

Mr Saarang Ganpathi, COO, Embassy Services Private Limited.

“The Union Budget 2025-26 underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable development and skill enhancement, which are pivotal for the facility management sector. The allocation of ₹20,000 crore to implement private sector-driven Research, Development, and Innovation initiatives is a significant step towards fostering innovation in sustainable practices. Additionally, the ₹334.45 crore designated for training government employees, including ₹105.99 crore for key training institutions, aligns with our industry’s focus on upskilling and professional development. At Embassy Services, we are encouraged by these initiatives and remain dedicated to integrating advanced, eco-friendly solutions in our operations. We look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence in India’s facility management landscape.

Also, we aim to deepen our commitment to waste reduction through cutting-edge waste segregation systems, composting mechanisms, and circular economy principles. By allocating resources towards technology-driven solutions such as IoT-enabled waste monitoring and smart recycling infrastructure, we can enhance operational efficiency while contributing to broader environmental goals.”

 

by Mr. Rajendra Kumar Setia, MD & CEO, SK Finance Limited
“This marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s economic backbone, focusing on MSMEs and the middle class while maintaining fiscal prudence. The revision of MSME classification is going to be a major game changer for the manufacturing sector. With over 1 crore MSMEs already driving 45% of India’s exports, the enhanced investment and turnover limits will empower these businesses to scale up operations and embrace technological innovation.

Enhancement of the credit guarantee cover for MSMEs to Rs 10 crore; term loans for exporter MSMEs to Rs 20 crore and start-ups to Rs 20 crore, will provide a big fillip to the industry. These measures will enable NBFCs in scaling up their operations, and will drive inclusive growth. The announcement of customized credit cards with a Rs. 5 lakh limit for micro-enterprises will increase liquidity and lead to establishment of new entrepreneurs. All in all, Budget 2025 will have a positive impact on India’s economic growth trajectory, with MSMEs driving growth,” says Rajendra Kumar Setia, MD & CEO, SK Finance Limited.

by Mr. Ronak Morbia, Chairman & Managing Director, ArisInfra Solutions Ltd:

“The Union Budget 2025 reinforces India’s commitment to infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), with each ministry proposing three PPP projects and ₹1.5 lakh crore allocated as interest-free loans for capital expenditure. The provision of term loans up to ₹20 crore for MSMEs is a crucial step in fostering financial inclusion and enabling small businesses to scale operations.

“We welcome these reforms that align with our mission of streamlining the construction materials supply chain. Through our vendor network and digital procurement platform, we connect over 1,600 suppliers (as of September 30, 2024), including MSMEs, with customers engaged in large infrastructure and real estate projects, helping MSMEs expand their reach. Additionally, with India’s infrastructure spending projected to exceed ₹143 lakh crore by 2030, we remain committed to leveraging our expertise in construction materials procurement and logistics to support sustainable growth. We believe that the government’s focus on infrastructure and credit access will further strengthen the role of MSMEs, paving the way for economic resilience and expansion.”

by Mr. Umesh Uttamchandani, Managing Director, Dev Accelerator Limited (DevX).

“DevX Applauds Budget 2025’s Focus on Innovation and Infrastructure for Startups. The Union Budget 2025 underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a robust startup ecosystem by enhancing infrastructure, providing financial incentives, and promoting digital transformation. The push for increased capital expenditure, ease of doing business, and technology-driven growth will significantly benefit co-working spaces, accelerators, and innovation hubs.

At DevX, we see these initiatives as key enablers for startups and enterprises looking to scale in a dynamic business environment. As India’s leading managed office space provider, we continue to support businesses with state-of-the-art infrastructure, collaborative workspaces, and growth-driven solutions. The Budget’s emphasis on digital and physical infrastructure will further strengthen India’s position as a global startup powerhouse, and we remain committed to facilitating this transformation”.

by Mr. Amith Agarwal, Whole Time Director & CEO

“The recognition of agriculture as the first engine of growth and MSMEs as the second growth engine in the Union Budget 2025 reflects the government’s strategic vision for India’s economic development.

The comprehensive reforms announced, particularly the Prime Minister Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, demonstrate a holistic approach to agricultural transformation through enhanced irrigation, credit access, and skill development across 100 agri districts, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers, while initiatives like the National Mission on High Yielding Seeds and Cotton Productivity Mission create a robust framework for sustainable agricultural growth.

As part of the StarAgri Group, we are well-positioned to support this proposed reform through our technology led integrated agricultural value-chain services such as procurement, trade facilitation, warehousing, collateral management, financing solutions, digital marketplace and technology based value added services, to farmers, traders, millers, processors and corporates. With our network of 2,189 warehouses which enables us to create and benefit from a networking effect and our technology driven integrated platform offering key services to the agricultural sector, we remain committed to redefining the agricultural landscape, providing transparency, efficiency, and security to all stakeholders involved.”

Mr. Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD & CEO, CIEL HR Services Limited

The Union Budget 2025 aligns with the principles of fiscal discipline by reducing the deficit further. Secondly, it lays emphasis on innovation, skilling, and industrial growth. The push for AI Centers of Excellence, National Skilling Centers, and capacity expansion in institutions of higher education such as IITs, reflects a commitment to equipping the workforce for the evolving job market. Thirdly, investments in manufacturing, particularly in MSMEs and new technologies such as clean tech and MSMEs, alongside support for new technologies such as clean tech show a well-rounded approach to job creation and economic resilience. The focus on employment-led development is encouraging.

While the tax reforms will certainly boost consumer spending and influence market sentiment, the real transformation lies in the government’s commitment to skills development and job creation. The success of these initiatives will ultimately depend on how effectively we can bridge the skills gap and create an agile workforce ready for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Mr Meghdut Roychowdhury, Founder of Make Calcutta Relevant Again and Chief Innovation Officer of Techno India Group.
The announcement of a new Rs 10,000 crore Fund for startups is a game-changer for India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Funding has always been one of the biggest challenges for startups, especially those outside metro cities. With Rs 91,000 crore already committed through Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs), this fresh infusion of capital is a much-needed boost that will help startups scale, innovate, and take bigger risks.

More importantly, this initiative signals the government’s belief in young entrepreneurs and the power of homegrown innovation. It’s not just about financial support—it’s about creating an environment where startups, especially from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, can access the resources they need to thrive.

The key now is in the execution. If this fund is distributed transparently and inclusively, reaching a diverse pool of founders across industries, it could set the stage for India to truly become a global startup powerhouse. As someone passionate about nurturing talent and innovation, I am excited to see the impact this will have on the next generation of changemakers.