New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament today, unveiled a range of transformative measures aimed at boosting investment and spurring economic growth across sectors. The Budget focuses on enhancing public-private partnerships (PPP), supporting states with capital expenditure, and introducing strategic reforms in sectors like mining and manufacturing.
Public-Private Partnerships to Drive Infrastructure Development
In a bid to boost infrastructure development, the Finance Minister proposed a three-year pipeline of projects for each infrastructure-related ministry, aimed at implementation under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This initiative will ensure that both the central government and states can collaborate with the private sector to accelerate infrastructure growth.
States will be encouraged to engage in this initiative and seek assistance from the India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF) to prepare high-quality PPP proposals, enhancing the effectiveness and reach of infrastructure projects across the country.
Support to States for Infrastructure Development
Sitharaman also announced an outlay of ₹1.5 lakh crore for interest-free loans to states, aimed at financing capital expenditure. This provision will support states in their infrastructure development initiatives while also incentivizing them to implement reforms in areas like governance, ease of doing business, and fiscal management.
Second Asset Monetisation Plan (2025-30)
Building on the success of the first Asset Monetisation Plan launched in 2021, the Finance Minister proposed a Second Asset Monetisation Plan for the period 2025-2030. This ambitious plan aims to recycle ₹10 lakh crore in capital by monetizing government assets, with a focus on fine-tuning regulatory and fiscal measures to enhance the ease and efficiency of the process.
Mining Sector Reforms
Recognizing the potential of India’s mining sector, Sitharaman introduced comprehensive reforms aimed at improving mining operations and efficiency. The reforms include the adoption of best practices across states, as well as the introduction of a State Mining Index to evaluate performance and promote transparency in the sector.
PM Gati Shakti Portal for Private Sector
In a significant move to aid the private sector, the Union Finance Minister proposed providing access to relevant data and maps from the PM Gati Shakti portal, which will help the private sector in project planning. This initiative is expected to boost efficiency in planning and executing infrastructure projects, facilitating greater private sector involvement in national development.
Support to Domestic Manufacturing and Critical Minerals
To promote domestic manufacturing and secure the availability of critical minerals for Indian industries, Smt. Sitharaman proposed to fully exempt certain critical minerals from import duties. These include cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery scrap, lead, zinc, and 12 other critical minerals, which will contribute to a sustainable and self-sufficient manufacturing ecosystem. This measure is expected to boost job creation, particularly for India’s youth, and reduce reliance on imports for key industrial inputs.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Growth
The Union Budget 2025-26 presents a comprehensive vision for India’s economic growth through investment, innovation, and infrastructure development. By focusing on enhancing public-private collaborations, supporting states in their infrastructure efforts, and implementing reforms in critical sectors like mining and manufacturing, the government aims to position India as a global leader in economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
With these strategic measures, the Budget aims to create a more robust, resilient, and inclusive economy, furthering India’s aspirations of becoming a global manufacturing hub and achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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