Budget 2025: Modi govt's last chance to fix A+ challenges

India stands at a crucial turning point. Budget 2025 is more than just a financial roadmap — it presents a key opportunity for the prime minister and finance minister to set the stage for longterm economic growth and stability.

- Sheetal Soni

Over the past decade, India has witnessed impressive GDP growth, digital transformation, and increasing global recognition. However, economic challenges continue to emerge, requiring crucial and strategic reforms.

The middle class continues to bear a significant tax burden, high-net-worth individuals exploring overseas options for better financial planning and job creation remains a constant concern. A large portion of the reason can be attributed to the tax system being complex, high GST rates in certain sectors, and regulatory hurdles discouraging entrepreneurship and investment. Addressing these issues effectively will be the key to ensuring India remains an attractive destination for businesses and talent.

If India is to strengthen its position as a global economic leader, Budget 2025 must focus on structural reforms rather than incremental changes. Bold measures that simplify taxation, incentivising investment, and streamlining regulations will play a critical role in shaping India’s economic trajectory for the next decade.

India stands at a crossroads. Budget 2025 isn’t just another economic exercise — it’s the final real shot for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to secure 2029. The last decade brought impressive GDP growth, digital transformation, and global recognition, but economic cracks are widening.

The middle class is over-taxed, the rich are moving to Dubai, and job creation is a joke. The tax system is a nightmare, GST rates are very high, and the dream of a merit-based society is vanishing faster than a government laptop scheme before elections.

The message is clear: If Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants a third term, the budget must address A+ challenges. No distractions, no token reforms — just bold action that will make India the global economic magnet.

1. The middle class: India’s reliable revenue source