Bhopal/Indore: A slew of measures to push industrial corridors and a 40 percent surge in budget allocation for industry sector has cheered industries, though lack of exemption from mandi tax left a section upset.Industry players hailed the budget for increased allocations and focus on improving employment opportunities, boosting infrastructure, energy and future mobility sectors. Finance minister Jagdish Devda on Wednesday made a provision of Rs 4,190 crore for the industry sector in FY 2025, up by around 40 percent from last year.“Development of industrial corridors will significantly boost economic growth and streamline logistics for industries, thereby enhancing overall efficiency. This forward-looking approach signals a positive trajectory for state’s economic development,” Confederation of Indian Industry, MP State Council, chairman Ashish Vaishya said.Industry players welcomed govt’s focus on promoting industrial ecosystem and supporting SMEs, though many said exemption from mandi tax may have fuelled further growth.“The govt should have announced removal of mandi tax in this budget to stop migration of pulses processing and ginning units to neighbouring states,” Confederation of All India Traders national vice-president Ramesh Gupta said.Chairman of Mandideep Industrial Association, Rajiv Agarwal, said ” It’s an all-inclusive budget. They have tried to please everyone. So, it’s a pleasing budget, I would say. It’s the biggest budget, I suppose. They have increased the capital expenditure, which is a good thing. They have allocated Rs 21,000 crore for healthcare, which again is a welcome step. They have also talked about setting up 3 more universities. They also proposed to set up 9 new industrial areas in the state and improve infrastructure of 5 existing industrial areas but I feel that allocation for the purpose is not enough but overall they have sought to do something for each sector.” The govt has made a provision of Rs 699 crore for MSME Business Investment Incentive Promotion, Rs 200 crore for Infrastructure Development and Rs 125 crore for Mukya Mantri Udyam Kranti Yojana in the budget. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, MP State Council, chairman Dinesh Patidar said, “The focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and industry will undoubtedly propel Madhya Pradesh to new heights of economic and social progress.”Industry players welcomed govt’s focus on promoting industrial ecosystem and supporting SMEs.Chairman, CII Bhopal Zone, Pulkit Sharma said “CII specially applauds the govt’s strong commitment to economic resilience. They have wisely allocated resources and propose to implement targeted measures to help recover from global challenges. We are pleased to see the govt prioritise healthcare, farmers’ welfare, higher education, skill development, water and MSME with substantial funding, which aligns perfectly with CII’s goal” Tech firms hailed the announcement of establishing coding labs in the state, hoping for timely implementation of the policies. “Coding labs will enhance employability and contribute to skilled workforce needed in IT and startup industries. The coding labs initiative is expected to not only create job opportunities but also nurture a generation of tech-savvy professionals who can drive the state’s digital transformation,” Sawan Laddha, founder of a co-working space said.A hike of around Rs 1,000 crore in energy sector to Rs 19,406 crore from the last financial year is also seen as boosting industries working in the segment.“Making a provision of more than Rs 19,000 crore for expansion of energy sector will give impetus to industrial development of state,” Association of Industries Madhya Pradesh president Yogesh Mehta told TOI.