Budget Reaction (01)

- Dr. Mukund Kulkarni

Entrepreneur and Social-Economic Analyst

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Union budget 2026 is inclusive and visionary

“I believe the union Budget 2026 adopts a forward-looking, employment-oriented approach with innovative initiatives across multiple sectors. It strongly supports a startup-, MSME-, and innovation-driven economy, focusing on youth, technology, AI, research & development, and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Initiatives like the MSME Growth Fund, Champion SME concept, infrastructure investment, and measures for emerging technologies will make capital, markets, and global opportunities more accessible for new entrepreneurs. Efforts are also underway to establish a national-level educational institution in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.”

Ashish Garde

Director, MAGIC incubation centre

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Industry leaders react to budget

I believe the union Budget is a forward-looking roadmap guided by ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ reflecting clear vision and strategic foresight. Its detailed approach across sectors demonstrates careful planning, while the emphasis on AI, semiconductors, and emerging technologies shows preparedness for the next phase of economic transformation. I see this budget as balanced, supporting industrial growth, innovation, and long-term competitiveness, and well-aligned with India’s broader economic objectives and sustained development goals for the coming years.

Rishi Kumar Bagla

President, CII Western Region

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Budget paves way for next-generation growth

“I believe today’s union Budget is highly encouraging and growth-oriented for the next generation. The emphasis on developing railway corridor hubs, medical hubs, and semiconductor hubs reflects a clear focus on future-ready infrastructure. The allocation of Rs 12 lakh crore for urban development will strengthen city ecosystems and improve citizens’ quality of life. Equally important are the measures aimed at boosting agriculture and increasing farmers’ income, which will support rural stability. Overall, I see this budget as progressive, balanced, and capable of taking the nation decisively forward.”

— Arjun Gaikwad

Senior Entrepreneur

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Budget boosts industry, agriculture

I view the union Budget 2026 as a balanced and forward-looking plan that strengthens both industry and agriculture, which is vital for Marathwada. I note that the record capital expenditure of Rs 12.2 lakh crore, along with a focus on infrastructure, logistics, and ease of doing business, will boost industrial growth in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Key sectors such as automobiles, engineering, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and allied industries stand to gain. I also welcome support for irrigation, agri-infrastructure, storage, and value-added farming, which will benefit farmers and generate rural employment.

Utsav Machhar

President

Chamber of Marathwada Industries and Agriculture (CMIA)

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Union budget 2026 boosts tier-2 and tier-3 cities

“I believe the union Budget 2026 rightly positions Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as engines of India’s growth, with strong infrastructure provisions and focus on City Economic Regions. I welcome the new NIPERs under Biopharma SHAKTI and strongly support establishing one in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to boost employment, startups, MSMEs, and exports. The budget’s emphasis on municipal bonds is promising, enabling long-term funding for water, sewage, transport, roads, and sustainable urban projects.”

— Ritesh Mishra

President, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar First

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Reforms and MSME growth push

I note that the Income Tax Act, 2025 will come into force from April 1, 2026, with simpler rules and user-friendly forms to ease compliance. I particularly welcome the strong focus on MSMEs through enhanced equity and liquidity support, including new growth funds that address cash flow stress and high debt. Measures such as infrastructure expansion, revival of industrial clusters, promotion of women entrepreneurship, and high-tech manufacturing initiatives will strengthen MSMEs, improve competitiveness, and position them as key drivers of sustainable economic growth.

- Arjun Gaikwad

President, Massia