Digital rupee using blockchain technology will lead to stable regulated payments, settlements and lower transaction cost. “This initiative is expected to boost the digital economy and reduce leakages by lowering dependency on cash,” says Rajosik Banerjee, partner and head-financial risk management at KPMG India.

The thrust on digital learning has been one of the key takeaways of the Budget. The proposed digital university with a personalised learning experience will make higher education more accessible and equitable, says Byju Raveendran, founder and CEO at BYJU'S. “I have always maintained the digital learning gap is easier to bridge than the physical learning gap. The plan to connect all villages with optical fibre by 2025 is a welcome step.”

Gaming startups welcomed the proposal to form an animation, visual effects, gaming and comic (AVGC) task force. Vishwalok Nath, director at World Esports Cup, hopes that the task force can help promote the creation of a robust infrastructure for game development. “We are also looking forward to the 5G spectrum auction this year. 5G can further promote the latest innovations and mass adoption of technologies like cloud gaming in the country,” says Nath.

In an indication of a clear push for the usage of drones, the Budget has made a pitch for the use of Kisan drones for varied agricultural applications. Vikram Singh, CEO and co-founder at drone delivery company TechEagle, says Kisan Drones should also involve improving healthcare access in rural and remote India with the help of drone-based medical item delivery, as well as delivering agricultural products from farm to warehouse for better pricing and transportation. “This will aid in the mainstream adoption of drone technology,” says Singh.

Mughilan Thiru Ramasamy, CEO and co-founder of Skylark Drones, adds that the introduction of 'Drone Shakti' will ensure business momentum and drive faster adoption of UAVs in the country. “India with its vast natural resources spanning from agriculture, minerals, and great infrastructure is finally getting the much-required momentum to become digital,” says Ramasamy.

startups budget announcements

Budget push for startups, digital economy