CII calls Union Budget 2026 balanced, backs focus on tech and skills

Speaking about the impact of the union budget on education a professor said, “The Union Budget 2026–27 underscores a nuanced commitment to fiscal discipline, reaffirming the government’s resolve to anchor macroeconomic stability."

Bengaluru: The experts of the Confederation of Indian Industry called the budget "balanced" with focus on tech, connectivity and healthcare. They pointed outthat there were no significant announcements. 

N Venu, past chairman CII Karnataka State Council and Managing Director & CEO – India and South Asia, Hitachi Energy, said, “The budget did not have any big announcements and allocations. But significant attention has been given o technology and skill development which is positive.” 

Rajan Aggrawal, Co-Convenor, CII Karnataka Agri and Food Processing Panel 2025-26, Executive Director & CEO, Milltech Machinery Pvt Ltd, said, “The government is encouraging usage of tech in agriculture which will be a good addition to agriculture.” 

Thyagu Valliappa, Director, Valliappa Software Technological Park Pvt Ltd, said, “With the government focusing on marine from west to east, the cost of transportation will come down extensively. The essence of India lies in the tier two cities and development of seven-eight cities mentioned in the budget will certainly have some benefits. Allocation for training and skill development stood up for me.” 

B Ravi, Head, Market Research, External Affairs, said, “I am very happy as the finance minister has finally committed to the incentive scheme for the construction equipment industry. This is a commitment that we were expecting.” 

Speaking about budget allocations for healthcare industry, Dr Vijaybhaskaran, Convenor ,CII Karnataka Healthcare Taskforce 2025-26, COO, Kauvery Hospitals, said, “The most impressive initiative is the skilling of one lakh people in the healthcare industry which will add lots of value as shortage of staff is one of the major problems of the industry.” 

'Nuanced commitment to fiscal discipline'

Speaking about the impact of the union budget on education, Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan Pro Vice Chancellor MAHE Bangalore campus, said, “The Union Budget 2026–27 underscores a nuanced commitment to fiscal discipline, reaffirming the government’s resolve to anchor macroeconomic stability even as India navigates ambitions of rapid growth and structural transformation.” 

In quantitative terms, the fiscal deficit for FY 2025–26 is estimated at 4.4% of GDP, with a further targeted reduction to 4.3% in FY 2026–27. This trajectory reflects adherence to a consolidation path set out in earlier budgets and embedded in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management framework, which mandates progressive reduction in deficits to ensure sustainable public debt dynamics, he further explained.