Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): MP Budget 2025-26, presented in the state assembly on Wednesday, evoked a mixed reaction from the public. While traders have welcomed its push to the MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) — a segment that provides employment —  7 lakh state government employees are disappointed that there isn’t a provision for DA at par with the Central government employees.

There is cheer among the real estate sector over the Rs 2,000 crore increase from last year forinfrastructure even as the allocation, at 2.7%, remains below the national average of 3.4%. 

‘Expert Talk’

1. Pankaj Goyal Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) chairman, Malwa Zone, said, “The state government’s bold vision, as reflected in the State Budget 2025-26, is a gamechanger for industrial growth. The creation of 39 new industrial zones across 14,500 acres, anticipated to generate over three lakh new employment opportunities, Rs 30,000 crore in incentives for the industrial sector over the next five years and a nearly 31% surge in capital expenditure is good.”

2. Manoj Meek , president Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India, Bhopal chapter , said, “The 2025-26 MP Budget presents few urban development policies but still lacks a comprehensive vision to position our million plus population cities as economic and investment hubs. An urban development allocation of Rs 8,075 crore is a Rs 2,000 crore increase from last year, but remains below the national average. Bhopal’s post- industrial disaster redevelopment is missing again from the budget.”

3. Ajay Devnani Bhopal, spokesperson Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) said, “No fresh tax has been imposed so it is good for the common man. Besides, the government has allocated a sufficient budget for various irrigation projects, animal husbandry, crop insurance, electricity, processing, agricultural research, and horticulture.”

4. Ashok Pandey, president, Employees Union said, “The Budget has disappointed 7 lakhemployees of the state as there are no provisions for them. Provision of UPS and the 7thPay Commission is a tactic to mislead the employees. The government has notannounced either the 8th pay scale benefits and 3% DA at par with the Centralgovernment or a regularisation policy for the daily wagers and contractual employees while they are running from pillar to post for fulfillment of demands.”

5. Dharmendra Sharma, president Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Bhopal chapter said, “The budget deficit is 4.11 % so it is a matter of great concern. But budgetary allocation has been increased for women, education, agriculture which is good for the economy’s growth. With Incentives for the industrial sector over the next five years, the state is poised to become a hub of economic activity.”

6. Deepak Sharma , president Federation of MP Chamber of commerce and Industry (FMPCCI) said, “There are 4,895 start-ups in the state. The MSME incentive is a welcome step. Rules have been simplified for Ease of Doing and Ease of living.”

7. Anupam Agrawal, general secretary Akhil Bharatiya Vypar Mandal Mahasangh said, “No new tax has been imposed so it is a matter of relief. No reduction in VAT, GST means there is no scope of relief from inflation. There are many proposals for the promotion ofindustries strengthening the economy of the state.”

8. Aditya Manya Jain, ND Kalpataru Multipliers Limited “A provision has been made for relief and promotion of the MSME segment which provides major employment in the state. So, it is good for youths. Similarly, budgetary allocation for women, agriculture and education is also a good step. No fresh tax has been imposed so it is good for the common man.”

9. Kamal Anjana, state unit chief Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), “The budget proposes a 29% hike in the agriculture sector. This shows the government’s commitment and priority. It has allocated a sufficient budget for various irrigation projects, animal husbandry, crop insurance, electricity, processing, agricultural research, horticulture, cow-based farming, solar energy, Kisan Samman Nidhi and other sectors in the budget, which will increase agricultural productivity.”

10. Ajay Singh, president MP Petroleum Association, “VAT on diesel has not been reduced. We were expecting that as it is directly linked to industrial growth. Meanwhile, the urban development allocation of Rs 8,075 crore is a Rs 2,000 crore increase from the last year, but remains below the national average. It should have been more.”