Budget 2025: Industry experts vouch for women’s participation in workforce

NEW DELHI : Allocation for skill development and entrepreneurship, provision of apprenticeship programmes, and women’s workforce participation are some of the expectations of the industry from the union budget 2025. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the India budget 2025.

According to Ankit Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Unstop, there will be movement in the skill development and entrepreneurship industry. The entrepreneur feels that there may be an increase in measures to boost female participation in the workforce through policy support for flexible work arrangements and incentives for organisations promoting gender diversity.

Sharing his views on the upcoming budget 2025 , Aggarwal said, “India’s employment and HR Tech sectors will grow and this will be driven by emerging technologies. We feel there will be a 20% increase in the job market because of fields like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity, alongside sector-specific hiring opportunities.”

Skill development and entrepreneurship

He believes that skills-based hiring is the need of the hour and therefore, programmes like Skill India Digital will play a crucial role in preparing the youth for the digital economy. “What is also important is aligning the student’s skills with the requirements of the industry. We hope there will be continued support for entrepreneurship, through increased investment in sectors like AI and IoT and the simplification of regulatory processes, will create a more conducive environment for startups, encouraging innovation and job creation.”

The CEO considers a strong possibility that more funds will be allocated to skilling initiatives, building on the government's previous efforts for 41 million individuals and the Rs 4,520 crore allocated to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. He anticipates an increase in this year’s allocation to further boost skill development and job creation, with a greater focus on state-wise distribution of funds.

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The key trends in 2025, according to the businessman, will be AI-driven recruitment and workforce planning along with AI tools streamlining hiring, reducing biases, and enhancing HR functions through predictive analytics and task automation. Skills-based hiring will take the spotlight as employers will prioritize skills over traditional qualifications.

As per AR Ramesh, CEO, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, the government must prioritize initiatives that empower this vast youth base, aligning with the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Economic revitalization must remain the cornerstone of national progress, with targeted measures to boost job creation, foster entrepreneurship, and incentivize investments across key sectors.

Revival of infrastructure

“Reviving manufacturing, supporting MSMEs, and expanding large-scale infrastructure projects can act as catalysts for economic resurgence, generating employment opportunities at scale. At the same time, strengthening digital and physical infrastructure is essential to sustain long-term growth. Enhanced investments in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including the expansion of AI Centers of Excellence, smart cities, and high-speed connectivity, will position India as a global leader in technology and innovation. Bridging the digital divide through affordable access to devices and connectivity in underserved regions, coupled with improved transport and logistics networks, can ensure inclusive growth while enabling industries to thrive in a globally competitive environment,” he said.

Apprenticeship programmes

“The 2025 budget must reimagine skilling through dynamic reforms in apprenticeship programmes, bridging the gap between education and employability. By integrating practical, industry-aligned training with academic curricula and aligning these programs with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), India can create a job-ready workforce while boosting productivity. Special attention must be given to equipping the workforce with future-ready skills in cutting-edge fields like AI, robotics, and cybersecurity, ensuring relevance in a rapidly evolving job market,” he said.

Furthermore, as per the CEO, women’s workforce participation must be prioritized through flexible working models, childcare support systems, and financial incentives for employers to hire women, fostering a more inclusive labor force. A strong focus on lifelong learning, supported by e-learning platforms and smart classrooms, can empower individuals to continuously adapt to evolving industry demands. “By integrating these strategies, the budget can lay the foundation for a skilled, resilient, and inclusive workforce, ensuring sustainable economic growth and turning the vision of Viksit Bharat into a tangible reality,” he added.