Budget Reaction form Kumar Rajagopalan CEO Retailers Association of India.
Budget 2025 has delivered on several key expectations for the retail sector. The increase in income tax exemption to ₹12 lakh is a welcome relief for the industry that had witnessed reduced consumption in the past year.
Better consumption means better business for retailers. Overall, this is a progressive, growth-driven budget that strengthens retail.
Kumar Rajagopalan CEO, RAI: Budget Reaction
Budget 2025 has delivered on several key expectations for the retail sector. The increase in income tax exemption to ₹12 lakh is a welcome relief for the industry that had witnessed reduced consumption in the past year. Better consumption means better business for retailers.
Ease of doing business has been a key focus, with regulatory simplifications and the push for state-level reforms expected to improve the retail environment. Gig worker recognition, with e-Shram ID cards and health cover, will support the growing omnichannel retail ecosystem by strengthening last-mile delivery and digital commerce.
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Industry-specific measures, including support for the footwear, leather, toys, and electronics sectors, will help these industries scale up. Women workers in retail will benefit from initiatives like working women’s hostels and crèches, making workforce participation easier.
The expansion of MSME benefits, including easier access to credit, customized credit cards, and the new Fund of Funds, should drive a wave of new products and innovations, increasing supply and competition in the market.
Overall, this is a progressive, growth-driven budget that strengthens retail, empowers businesses, and prioritizes consumption as a key driver of economic momentum.
