As the Union Government announced the Budget for 2025-26, Rising Kashmir correspondent Aatif Qayoom spoke to various people to gauge their reactions. The increase in the income tax exemption limit to ₹12 lakh brings relief to salaried individuals, while the exemption of customs duty on life-saving medicines eases healthcare costs. Expanding broadband in schools and hospitals enhances education and medical services, and the addition of medical seats addresses the doctor shortage. Farmers welcome increased KCC loans but seek stronger crop insurance. Overall, the budget introduces key reforms, though some believe further measures are needed to tackle sector-specific challenges. Here is what people had to say.
Javeed Abdullah
The announcement of no income tax payable for earnings up to ₹12 lakh in the Union Budget 2025 brings immense joy to salaried employees. This major tax relief enhances their disposable income, allowing them to save more, invest wisely, and improve their standard of living. It reduces financial stress, making homeownership, education, and healthcare more affordable. Employees can now plan their future with greater confidence, boosting overall economic activity. This move strengthens the middle class, fostering a sense of financial security. It’s a welcome step that will uplift working professionals and drive national growth through increased spending and savings.
Tabish Ayaz
The government’s decision to fully exempt 36 life-saving medicines from basic customs duty is great news for patients. This will help people suffering from cancer, chronic diseases, and other serious illnesses by reducing the cost of important medicines. Many families struggle to afford these treatments, and this step will bring them relief. Lower medicine prices mean better access to care, fewer financial burdens, and more hope for recovery. Patients will be able to focus on their health instead of worrying about high costs. This is a big step towards making healthcare more affordable and saving lives. Every patient deserves a chance to get the treatment they need.
Danish Tantray
The plan to provide broadband to all government secondary schools and primary healthcare centers is great news for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Schools will have better online learning, helping students access more study materials and digital tools. Teachers can use new methods to make learning easier. In healthcare centers, internet access will improve patient care with better record-keeping, online consultations, and faster medical help. Remote areas will benefit the most, as doctors can connect with experts for better treatment. This step will bring education and healthcare closer to everyone, making life easier and improving services across Jammu and Kashmir.
Zaid Malik
The announcement of 10,000 additional medical seats next year and 75,000 seats in the next five years is a great step toward improving healthcare in India. With more seats in medical colleges, more students will get the opportunity to become doctors. This will help address the shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas, where medical services are limited. More trained professionals mean better healthcare facilities, quicker treatment, and improved patient care. It will also create more job opportunities in the medical field, boosting the healthcare sector. Many aspiring doctors struggle due to limited seats, but this expansion will give them a fair chance. This move, announced in the Union Budget, shows the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring better medical services for all.
Showket Pandit
The announcement of six new schemes and an increased Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan limit to ₹7 lakh is a big boost for farmers across India. This will help them invest in better seeds, equipment, and technology to improve crop productivity. With more financial support, farmers can expand their work without worrying about funds. However, farmers in Jammu and Kashmir also need a strong crop insurance scheme to protect them from losses due to weather conditions. A well-planned insurance policy will safeguard their hard work and ensure financial security, making agriculture more stable and profitable for them.
