Union Budget 2025: how Punjab women decode its proposals and announcements

“As a woman, I am concerned about the pricing of daily groceries and I believe that increasing pulses cultivation could ease household budgets,” says Dr Bharti Uppal.

The Budget presented by a woman came with high expectations. I appreciate the proposed decrease in indirect taxes, the raising of income tax slabs, the reduction or abolition of taxes on certain life-saving drugs and the provision of dwelling units for the lower middle class. However, the announcement regarding the UDAN scheme needs introspection, as flight tickets to pilgrimage destinations remain exorbitant. Special rates should be considered.

As a woman, I am concerned about the pricing of daily groceries and I believe that increasing pulses cultivation could ease household budgets. However, as a medical professional, I strongly feel that increasing medical college seats without proper infrastructure will result in half-baked doctors, making this proposal less effective. This step should be implemented only after careful consideration of all pros and cons. However, I welcome the proposal for 70 per cent women’s involvement in economic activities.

Parveen Kumari
Age 64
Retired government teacher

I appreciate the introduction of the new rules that exempt income up to Rs 12 lakh from taxation, providing significant relief, says Parveen Kumari.

I welcome the Union Budget but request benefits for pilgrims. I appreciate the introduction of the new rules that exempt income up to Rs 12 lakh from taxation, providing significant relief. The reduction in TDS (tax deducted at source) on rental income will help individuals save more monthly. Additionally, the decrease in tax on essential medicines commonly used by elderly women will ease their financial burden and improve healthcare affordability.

I urge the government to introduce special benefits for religious yatras, particularly for Char Dham pilgrims, including a reduction in airfare and helicopter service prices to make these spiritual journeys more accessible for senior citizens.

Lakhminder Dicky Chabbra
Age 54
Director, Lucky Exports, and Convenor, United Cycles Parts and Manufacturers Association

As a social worker, I observe that specific allocations for women’s health and education are lacking, says Chabbra.

The Union Budget 2025-26 introduces commendable initiatives to empower women, particularly in entrepreneurship and household financial relief. Enhanced credit access for women entrepreneurs includes long-term loans of up to Rs 2 crore for 5 lakh women over the next five years. The Budget emphasises inclusive development with targeted measures to support women, youth and farmers. However, without efficient execution, intended beneficiaries may not fully access the support. The increased threshold for income tax rebate will provide relief to women.

As a social worker, I observe that specific allocations for women’s health and education are lacking. Without targeted funding, critical areas affecting women’s well-being and empowerment may remain underfunded. Despite expectations, the Budget did not introduce targeted schemes such as low-interest loans or credit guarantees specifically for women entrepreneurs. As a homemaker, I also have concerns about inflationary pressures that remain unaddressed. Skill development has been prioritised. Let’s see how effectively it is implemented.

Samita Kaur
Age 50
Environment activist

Growth in industry without adhering to environmental norms will disturb ecological balance and wreak havoc on our health: Samita Kaur

I feel the Union Budget 2025 is industry-centric, with insufficient focus on the environmental repercussions of industrial growth. Fisheries in Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep should be left untouched, and while the finance minister talks about unlocking the potential of these islands, we must consider the ecological balance. The revival of certain industries in Assam raises concerns about national disasters that could arise from prioritising industry over environmental protection.

Countries like those in the European Union and the United States are moving away from textiles and tanneries, while we are welcoming them. Growth in industry without adhering to environmental norms will disturb ecological balance and wreak havoc on our health.