FM Sitharaman donned a Madhubani silk saree as she presented her eighth budget, highlighting Bihar projects. The opposition clashed over Kumbh deaths but fell silent as she announced zero tax on Rs 12L income.

The budget does not offer a realistic road map to resolve the critical problems of unemployment, poor pay packages and underskilling.

Highlights: FM Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement on February 1 brings a gift for the Indian middle class with no tax payable up to ₹12 lakh income.

Overall, the Budget focuses on providing significant benefits to the middle class by reducing the tax rates and thereby increasing the take home pay for individuals. It is clear that the Budget is aiming to further promote adoption of the new regime.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the top priorities of Budget 2025 will be to boost growth and enhance the spending power of the middle class.