Union Budget 2025 Reactions | 'Decision to increase basic customs duty on interactive flat panel displays a crucial step,' says Rajeev Singh, MD at BenQ India and South Asia

'The announcement of five National Centers of Excellence for Skilling presents a significant opportunity to integrate advanced technologies, such as interactive flat panel displays (IFP), into the educational framework,' Singh said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the much anticipated Union Budget for FY 2025-26 on February 1, which also marked a record 8th Budget presentation for the 65-year-old. In a major relief to the middle class, Sitharaman announced that there would not be any tax liability on income upto Rs 12 lakh for salaried persons under the new tax regime and raised the basic exemption from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.

Speaking on this front, Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia, said, "We are encouraged by the government's announcement of the National Manufacturing Mission, which represents a significant step towards enhancing the 'Make in India' initiative. This mission's focus on supporting small, medium, and large industries, along with its emphasis on clean technology manufacturing, aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and innovation."

"Further, the decision to increase the basic customs duty on interactive flat panel displays is a crucial step in addressing the inverted duty structure. This move will foster local manufacturing and support the growing demand for advanced educational technologies, ultimately enhancing innovation in learning environments."

"Moreover, the announcement of five National Centers of Excellence for Skilling presents a significant opportunity to integrate advanced technologies, such as interactive flat panel displays (IFP), into the educational framework. These centers will not only equip our youth with essential skills required for manufacturing under the 'Make in India' initiative but also leverage global expertise to design curricula that meet industry needs," he said.

"The establishment of a Centre of Excellence for AI in education with a ₹500 crore investment is another vital step towards preparing our youth for future challenges. By fostering skills in AI and related technologies, we can enhance employability and drive innovation across various sectors."

"Thus, we believe that with the right policy support and a robust ecosystem for electronic components, India can establish itself as a global hub for advanced technologies. We look forward to collaborating with the government and industry stakeholders to capitalize on these opportunities and contribute to India's digital transformation," he added.

Union Budget 2025 | Nirmala Sitharaman, as Finance Minister, presented her record 8th Union Budget this time. While inflation has burnt a hole in the pockets of 'aam janata', the Modi govt gave income tax relief for those making up to Rs 12 lakh per year in salaried income. Track the latest coverage, live news, in-depth opinions, and analysis only on Deccan Herald. Also follow us on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.