SGCCI Hails Gujarat Budget 2025 as Industry-Focused and Development-Oriented

Gandhinagar: The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has welcomed the Gujarat Budget 2025, calling it a developmental and industry-oriented budget that will significantly benefit businesses across the state. SGCCI President Vijay Mewawala and Vice President Nikhil Madrasi attended the budget session in Gandhinagar and expressed their approval of the provisions aimed at supporting the textile sector, MSMEs, startups, and infrastructure projects.

The Gujarat government, under Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, has allocated ₹2000 crore for various initiatives under the Gujarat Textile Policy to make the state’s textile units globally competitive. Surat, the textile hub of India, is set to benefit the most from this allocation as the policy now includes Man-Made Fiber (MMF) spinning, a key segment concentrated in South Gujarat.

Additionally, ₹3600 crore has been allocated to support small, medium, and large industries along with startup initiatives across the state.

Infrastructure Development in Surat

To strengthen Surat’s infrastructure and trade capabilities, the budget includes:

₹10 crore for Surat Airport development

₹250 crore for Magdalla Port development

These provisions aim to enhance Surat’s connectivity and trade, further solidifying its status as a major industrial and export hub.

Startup Ecosystem Expansion

Recognizing the success of i-Hub and i-Create in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat government has planned to establish i-Hubs in four other regions, including Surat. This move is expected to accelerate the city’s startup ecosystem by providing better support and funding opportunities to entrepreneurs.

SGCCI’s Key Demands to the Chief Minister

Following the budget presentation, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel met with representatives from Gujarat’s chambers of commerce. During the meeting, SGCCI President Vijay Mewawala put forward critical demands for Surat’s industries:

Inclusion of Non-Polluting Textile Units in the Textile Policy

Mewawala requested that non-polluting textile units within urban areas be granted benefits under the new textile policy to promote sustainable growth.

Establishment of a Textile University in Surat

He urged the state government to set up a dedicated textile university in Surat to support innovation, research, and skilled workforce development in the industry.

Customs and International Air Cargo at Surat Airport

Highlighting Surat’s significant exports of diamonds, shrimp, perishable food, and flowers, Mewawala stressed the urgent need for a customs office and international air cargo services at Surat Airport to reduce dependence on Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Chief Minister’s Upcoming Visit to Surat

To further discuss industrial growth and development, CM Bhupendra Patel is set to visit Surat in the coming days for a high-level meeting with industrialists. The meeting will also include key government officials such as:

M.K. Das – Additional Chief Secretary, Gujarat CMO

Mamta Verma – Principal Secretary, Industry and Mines Department

Avantika Singh – Secretary, Gujarat CMO

This engagement underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening Gujarat’s industrial landscape and addressing the concerns of business leaders.