By Ms. Achal Khanna, CEO, SHRM APAC & MENA
"From the industry's point of view, the expectation from this Budget is fairly simple, address the issues that slow us down every day. The IT and BPM sector continues to employ a very large workforce, but one area that needs sharper focus is the entry-level talent pipeline. Companies are hiring, but the gap between academic learning and actual workplace requirements is still wide. New hires often take longer to become fully productive, which adds to training costs. Budget support for structured apprenticeships and industry-linked internships can help bridge this gap in a practical way, particularly for candidates from smaller towns where talent exists but exposure is limited.
Another area that deserves attention is the entry-level talent pipeline. BPM firms are still hiring in significant numbers, but there is a visible gap between academic learning and workplace readiness. New recruits often take time to adapt to live delivery environments, which increases training costs and slows productivity in the early months. Budget-backed apprenticeship and industry-linked internship programmes can help address this in a very practical way. This becomes especially relevant for candidates from smaller towns, where talent is available in abundance but exposure to enterprise-scale operations is limited.
From an operational perspective, the industry is seeking stability more than incentives. Issues such as delayed GST refunds, overlapping compliance requirements and occasional ambiguity around tax treatment continue to affect cash flows and planning, particularly for BPM companies servicing international clients. These challenges are well known, but even incremental simplification would ease pressure on businesses and allow leadership teams to focus more on delivery quality, expansion and workforce development.
The Budget should also reflect how work has permanently changed in this sector. Remote and hybrid models are now embedded in day-to-day BPM operations. Continued investment in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity is essential to maintain service reliability and client confidence, while also enabling companies to tap talent beyond traditional urban centres.
Finally, there is growing recognition that employee wellbeing is directly linked to performance and retention. High-volume, high-intensity work environments take a toll over time. Acknowledging this reality and supporting healthier, more sustainable workplaces will help build long-term resilience across the industry."
By Abhishek Agarwal, President, Judge India & Global Delivery, The Judge Group-
What the technology sector is really waiting to hear from Budget 2026 is whether policy can slow down enough to understand how work is actually changing. Over the last year, AI, cloud and data-led services have moved from experimentation to everyday use across global enterprises. For firms operating in technology services and talent solutions, this shift is already reshaping client expectations and workforce needs.
The priority now is strong digital foundations. Continued support for cloud infrastructure, data centres and secure digital networks will determine how confidently India can scale its role in global technology delivery. But infrastructure alone won't be enough. The bigger challenge is people. Skills are becoming obsolete faster than ever, and reskilling can no longer be left to individuals or companies to manage in isolation. Budgetary support for structured, industry-linked skilling programmes would help professionals transition into AI-driven roles without disruption.
From a business standpoint, clarity matters more than incentives. Predictable tax treatment for digital services, sustained R&D support and simpler regulatory processes will allow technology firms to plan long term. A Budget that quietly aligns digital infrastructure and talent can strengthen India's credibility as a global technology partner.
By Mr. Dipesh Garg, Real Estate Advisor and Co-Founder, SouthDelhi1
"With the government preparing its priorities for Budget 2026, the real estate and housing sector is hoping for a steady, confidence-building approach rather than headline-driven interventions. In the premium residential segment, buyers today are thoughtful and long-term in outlook. Policies that help moderate the overall cost of ownership — whether through stamp duty rationalisation, clearer tax benefits on home loans, or smoother financing — can encourage genuine end-user demand without distorting the market.
Urban infrastructure and redevelopment deserve renewed attention, and recent initiatives such as the Delhi Government's Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy are a positive step in this direction. By promoting compact, mixed-use, walkable neighbourhoods around transit corridors, the TOD framework aligns urban growth with sustainability, mobility, and liveability. Many cities are ready for the thoughtful renewal of ageing residential pockets, but delays in approvals often slow progress. Faster clearances and clearer redevelopment guidelines can unlock value while improving quality of life.
Sustainability is no longer optional. Incentives for energy-efficient construction, green materials, and water-conscious design would further reinforce responsible urban growth. From an investment perspective, predictability matters most. Stable taxation and streamlined regulatory processes help developers plan better and strengthen buyer trust. A Budget that quietly supports quality urban living — while building on progressive state-level policies — will have a lasting impact on India's housing landscape."
Below is the Quote from Mr. Konark Trivedi, Founder and MD, Frog Innovations Ltd-
"India's telecom sector continued its strong momentum into FY26, building on a projected record US$35 billion in revenues in FY25, driven by tariff increases and expanding data usage across the country. The rapid rollout of 5G has significantly expanded high-speed connectivity, reaching most districts and serving tens of millions of users, while continued network investment is helping bridge the urban-rural digital divide.
At the same time, rural digital access is being improved through initiatives like BharatNet, which is progressively extending broadband connectivity to a large number of Gram Panchayats nationwide. Frog Innovations Limited is proud to contribute to this ecosystem with advanced 4G/5G coverage solutions tailored for both large venues, such as airports, metro stations, stadiums, and corporate campuses, and smaller enterprise and community locations, including corporate offices, bank branches, and SOHO environments. Our technology helps ensure reliable mobile connectivity where it matters most, supporting digital adoption, economic activity, and quality of life across diverse user segments.
The telecom industry is poised to play an even greater role in India's growth story over the coming decade, and our focus remains on building sustainable, high-performance network infrastructure that enables jobs, empowers startups, and underpins India's evolution toward global 6G leadership."
Rohit N Jagasia | Designation: Founder & CEO | Company: Revenant Esports-
The esports industry is looking at a positive budget that would bring in strategic realignment. It is high time that the government sees the esports industry from a different perspective and not just an extension of the entertainment industry. The industry expects structural recognition and long term enablement from the government. There should be a continuity in the policy on skill-based gaming with more clarity on tax and compliance framework. As per estimates, the esports industry in India was valued at around $200 million in 2024 and is expected to touch $1 billion by 2033. The scope is huge and emphasis on building digital infrastructure, talent development, and export-led growth will be the right way forward with this Union Budget.
