Budget 2025: India Post to become key logistics player with 1.5 lakh rural offices, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Budget 2025: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting her eighth consecutive budget on Saturday, outlined the government's vision to transform India Post into a major public logistics organisation with 1.5 lakh rural post offices, aiming to boost the rural economy.

She also announced plans to establish a urea plant in Assam with a production capacity of 12.7 lakh tonnes. Additionally, the finance minister revealed measures to enhance the investment and turnover limits for MSMEs, highlighting their role in contributing 45 per cent of the country’s exports through quality products.

Presenting the Narendra Modi-led government’s 14th consecutive budget since 2014, Sitharaman emphasised plans to expand credit guarantee cover for MSMEs to improve credit accessibility.

She further stated that the Centre will support the National Cooperative Development Corporation in its lending operations to strengthen the rural economy.