Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Budget presented by the Mohan Yadav-led government on Wednesday was exciting as well as job-orienting, feel women in the city. The most important part of the budget is that focused on creating job opportunities for the youth and opening new industries. They told Free Press the no new tax has been imposed which is a big relief.
Excerpts:
Employment for youth
It is a matter of great relief that no new taxes or cess have been imposed. The announcement regarding establishing 39 new industrial areas is welcome. Madhya Pradesh desperately needs job opportunities for youth. Currently, the situation is that young girls and boys leave Madhya Pradesh after clearing Class 12 and return only when they cross 60. They can find jobs either abroad or in the metros. The proposed Fossil Parks in Dhar and Dindori would boost tourism. The proposal for increasing the number of MBBS seats by 2,500 is also welcome and so is the announcement to develop Omkareshwar along the lines of Mahakal.
– Sanskriti Singh, entrepreneur
Focus on tax compliance, business growth
Budget 2025-26 appears balanced with a strong focus on fiscal responsibility, tax compliance, and business growth. The increasing tax revenue suggests economic stability, but the impact of tax reforms on businesses and compliance burdens needs closer evaluation. Rs 1.53 trillion allocation to MSMEs is a positive step, especially for women entrepreneurs, while investments in digitalization and financial automation could enhance ease of doing business. A substantial allocation of Rs 40.51 trillion has been earmarked for developmental projects, reinforcing the government’s commitment to economic growth. Rs 1.53 trillion investment in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and industrial development initiatives will foster entrepreneurship and employment.
-Parul Shrivastava, Chartered Accountant
Emphasis on women’s welfare
Madhya Pradesh’s 2025-26 Budget, amounting to Rs 4.21 lakh crore, reflects a significant commitment to various sectors, notably women’s welfare, education, and industry. The budget’s emphasis on women’s welfare is evident through substantial allocations to schemes like the Ladli Behna Yojana, which aims to empower women financially. However, it’s noteworthy that the funding for this scheme has been slightly reduced from Rs 18,984 crore to Rs 18,669 crore for FY26. This reduction raises concerns about the sustained impact on women’s financial empowerment. In the education sector, the budget proposes significant investments to enhance educational infrastructure and quality.
-Vishakha Shrivastava, professor
Moderate budget
The budget is very moderate and as-usual. It has nothing new, nothing worth mentioning. The government seems to believe that women’s welfare only means increasing allocation for the Ladli Behna Yojana. What about women who are not eligible under the scheme? What about working women? There is nothing for them. Moreover, what is announced in the budget is hardly implemented fully. There are attempts to modernise cities but no attention has been paid to fulfilling the basic needs of the people.
-Shikha Mishra, homemaker
