The Important Schemes of Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025, introduced several transformative schemes focusing on agriculture, MSMEs, social security, and entrepreneurship. These initiatives aim to bolster economic growth, employment, and rural prosperity. Here’s a detailed overview of the newly announced schemes and modifications to existing ones.
New Government Schemes Announced in Budget 2025
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
Aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, this scheme will cover 100 districts with low productivity and moderate crop intensity. The scheme focuses on:
- Crop diversification and sustainable farming practices
- Improved post-harvest storage and irrigation
- Access to long-term and short-term credit for farmers
Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme
This multi-sectoral initiative will create rural employment through investment, technology, and skill development, focusing on:
- Youth and women entrepreneurship
- Agricultural modernization and warehousing
- Diversification of income sources for landless families
Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
The government will launch a six-year Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, emphasizing:
- Development of climate-resilient seeds
- Increased protein content and productivity
- Improved post-harvest management
- Assured remunerative prices for farmers
Scheme for First-time Entrepreneurs
A special scheme for 5 lakh women, Scheduled Tribes, and Scheduled Castes entrepreneurs will provide term loans up to ₹2 crore for five years. It includes online capacity-building initiatives for managerial and entrepreneurship skills.
Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
This nutrition program aims to support 8 crore children, 1 crore lactating mothers, 20 lakh adolescent girls, and pregnant women, particularly in aspirational districts.
Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme
A new initiative to provide digital-form Indian language books for schools and higher education, ensuring better comprehension for students.
Social Security Scheme for Online Platform Workers
Gig workers will receive identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal, along with healthcare benefits under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana.
SWAMIH Fund 2
A new Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Fund 2, with a ₹15,000 crore allocation, will complete 1 lakh housing units and benefit middle-class families struggling with EMIs and rent.
Changes in Existing Government Schemes
MSME Classification Enhancement
To support MSMEs with better access to capital and technology, the investment and turnover limits have been revised:
| Category | Investment Limit (₹ Crore) | Turnover Limit (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Micro | 1 → 2.5 | 5 → 10 |
| Small | 10 → 25 | 50 → 100 |
| Medium | 50 → 125 | 250 → 500 |
Kisan Credit Cards (KCC)
The KCC loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme has been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, benefiting 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.
Credit Guarantee Fund
- MSME credit guarantee enhanced from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore, unlocking ₹1.5 lakh crore in additional credit.
- Startups’ credit guarantee increased from ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore.
- Customised credit cards with a ₹5 lakh limit will be issued to micro-enterprises registered on the Udyam portal.
Fund of Funds for Startups
A fresh ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds will be established to expand financial support for startups.
Atal Tinkering Labs
50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in government schools over five years to foster innovation and scientific curiosity among students.
PM SVANidhi Scheme
With 68 lakh street vendors already benefitting, the scheme will be revamped to include:
- Enhanced bank loans
- UPI-linked credit cards with a ₹30,000 limit
Jal Jeevan Mission
Providing potable water to 15 crore households, the mission is extended to 2028 with a larger outlay, focusing on infrastructure quality and maintenance.
UDAN – Regional Connectivity Scheme
- 120 new destinations to be added
- Passenger volume expected to reach 4 crore over the next decade
- Enhanced support for small airports in hilly and aspirational districts
PM Gati Shakti & National Geospatial Mission
The PM Gati Shakti portal will facilitate better private sector participation, urban planning, and land record modernization through National Geospatial Mission.
Employment-Led Growth in Tourism
Key measures include:
- MUDRA loans for homestays
- Performance-linked incentives for states
- Streamlined e-visas with selective fee waivers
PM Research Fellowship
10,000 research fellowships with enhanced financial aid will be provided to students in IISc and IITs over the next five years.
The Important Schemes of Union Budget 2025 introduce ambitious and inclusive initiatives that emphasize rural development, MSME growth, and social security. With a strong focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship, these initiatives are set to transform India’s economic landscape.
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