Mr. Mukeshbhai Jivabhai Patel, Executive Director and Managing Director, Asian Granito India Limited
“We approach the forthcoming Union Budget with cautious optimism, as the economy navigates global uncertainties alongside domestic growth opportunities, making a balanced policy framework that supports investment, consumption and employment generation imperative. Continued emphasis on infrastructure development, housing and urban renewal, along with ease of doing business and a stable, predictable tax regime, will be key to sustaining growth momentum. For the ceramic industry—closely linked to housing, real estate and infrastructure—measures that improve housing affordability, accelerate public infrastructure creation and incentivise sustainable, energy-efficient manufacturing are critical, alongside rationalisation and reduction of the GST rate on ceramic products to stimulate demand, enhance competitiveness and support formalisation. In parallel, the India–EU Free Trade Agreement represents a defining moment for India’s global trade ambitions; it opens access to a USD 24 trillion market and aligns strongly with the vision of India@2047. The forthcoming Budget must translate this opportunity into action through stronger export incentives, infrastructure investment and policy support to enable Indian manufacturers, including ceramics, to scale globally, boost exports and contribute more meaningfully to employment generation and the nation’s long-term infrastructure ambitions.”
PFB Pre-Budget quote on Infrastructure Sector by Mr. Sanjay Patil, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, Markolines Pavement Technologies Limited
“As the Union Budget approaches, it is important to recalibrate the infrastructure narrative from only adding road length to preserving and maximising the performance of existing assets. India has made significant investments in highways and urban roads over the past decade, and the next phase must focus on scientific pavement maintenance, timely rehabilitation and proactive safety interventions to protect this capital. Strategic budgetary allocations towards preventive maintenance, advanced materials and data-driven pavement management can substantially extend road life, lower lifecycle costs and reduce frequent disruptions to traffic and commerce. Equally critical is policy support for the wider adoption of indigenous, technology-led pavement solutions that combine innovation with cost efficiency. Such an approach not only strengthens domestic capabilities but also ensures faster execution and better on-ground outcomes. The industry also looks forward to continued emphasis on sustainable construction practices, including low-carbon technologies and resource optimisation, alongside streamlined approval and implementation mechanisms. Together, these measures can ensure that infrastructure spending in the coming Budget translates into safer, more durable and economically efficient road networks for the country.”
PFB Pre-Budget quote on MSME Sector by Akash Jain, CEO, AKME Fintrade Limited
“The deepening credit ecosystem notwithstanding, India’s MSME sector continues to face a significant shortfall in access to formal credit with the total addressable credit gap estimated at nearly Rs 30 lakh crore accounting for close to 24% of the total debt demand. There is an urgent need to strengthen the credit ecosystem to bridge the gap. We believe the upcoming Budget presents an opportunity to strengthen liquidity access for NBFCs and last-mile lenders that serve underserved and semi-urban segments. Measures such as enhanced refinance windows, partial credit guarantees and easier access to long-term funds can significantly improve credit flow to MSMEs and retail borrowers.
On the taxation front, rationalisation of GST on financial services and greater clarity on TDS provisions would help reduce frictional costs and improve operational efficiency. A predictable tax and regulatory environment will enable lenders to focus on innovation, risk management and inclusive growth.”
Pre-Budget quote on Aquaculture Sector by Sharat Reddy Sabbella, Executive Director, Sharat Industries Limited
"India’s aquaculture sector is a meaningful driver of agri-exports, coastal livelihoods and rural growth. In the Union Budget 2026–27, we hope to see support that improves competitiveness, especially investments in cold-chain and export infrastructure, stronger quality/testing capacity, and easier access to affordable working capital across the value chain. Clear policy direction on technology adoption, traceability and sustainability will help India scale value-added seafood exports and reduce volatility. Against this backdrop, the conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement is a positive step, strengthening the runway for market diversification and deeper access to European demand, provided implementation is timely and predictable."
PFB Pre-Budget quote by Sachin Pande, Managing Director of Virtual Galaxy Infotech Ltd.
“Ahead of the Union Budget, there is a strong expectation that the Government will sharpen its focus on accelerating the digital transformation of the BFSI sector, which remains central to India’s economic and financial resilience. Targeted policy and fiscal support for the adoption of AI and advanced digital solutions in banks and financial institutions can drive significant gains in operational efficiency, risk management, regulatory compliance, customer experience and fraud prevention. As AI becomes increasingly embedded across core banking, lending, payments, treasury and customer engagement platforms, it is fundamentally reshaping how financial institutions operate and serve customers.”
PFB Pre-Budget quote by Vijay Kaushik, Chairman and Executive Director, Vibhor Steel Tubes
“Union Budget 2026-27 is a crucial opportunity to reinforce India’s manufacturing and infrastructure growth agenda. The government’s continued thrust on infrastructure development through increased spending, particularly across oil, gas, water, sewage, telecom and urban development, will drive sustained demand for quality steel tubes and pipes. We also look forward to measures that enhance domestic steel consumption, curb illegal imports and support MSME manufacturers through easier access to credit, and rationalise input costs.
Policy support for technology upgradation, energy efficiency, and simplified compliance will further strengthen the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers and enable the sector to contribute meaningfully to employment generation and long-term economic growth.”
PFB Pre - Budget Quote by Kirang Gandhi, a Pune-based Financial Mentor -
"The Union Budget 2026 must move beyond treating the middle class as a silent sponsor of the economy and start recognising them as nation builders. Instead of short-term sops, the focus should be on meaningful structural reforms in taxation, pensions and inflation protection. Salaried households are the backbone of India’s economic engine, contributing steadily through savings, investments and consumption. Persisting with outdated tax limits amid rising living costs risks breaking this trust. The need of the hour is a shift from token relief to real, long-term respect for the middle class."
PFB Pre-Budget Quote by Dr Manoj Jhawar, CMD, PTC India Limited:
“The forthcoming Union Budget presents a critical opportunity to reinforce India’s power market reforms as the country scales up renewable energy and transitions towards a more market-driven electricity ecosystem. A greater emphasis on robust power trading frameworks, the expansion of green and real-time markets, and the faster rollout of transmission and storage infrastructure will be key to balancing reliability with sustainability. Policy measures that enhance liquidity, transparency and long-term visibility in power markets will not only support grid resilience but also accelerate investments across the value chain, enabling India to meet its energy transition and economic growth objectives in a sustainable manner.”
PFB Pre-Budget Quote by Ramveer Singh, Chairman, EMS Ltd –
The infrastructure sector is set to play a pivotal role in India’s ambition towards becoming a $5 trillion economy. Accelerating investments in core urban infrastructure, particularly water supply, sewerage, and wastewater treatment, will help boost the sector, giving a fillip to overall growth in the economy. Enhanced budgetary allocation for water and sanitation projects, along with faster execution under schemes like AMRUT and Jal Jeevan Mission, will be critical to strengthening public health outcomes and urban resilience.
We expect the government to incentivise PPP models, with an emphasis on improved efficiency for the entire process and streamlined compliance mechanisms to enable faster project delivery. A clear and sustained emphasis on facilitating infrastructure development will help ensure economic growth and create long-term environmental and social value.
