"The hospitality sector has seen strong domestic travel momentum, and this Budget can help sustain that growth. We look forward to GST rationalisation and continued infrastructure investment to boost tourism and business travel. Support for skilling and easier access to financing will strengthen industry resilience. A focused push on destination development will benefit both metros and emerging cities. Overall, a growth-led Budget can unlock long-term value for tourism and employment." - Amit Raman, General Manager, Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi.
Union Budget Expectations from Mr. Sarveshaa SB, Chairman & MD, BHADRA Group
"As Union Budget 2026-27 approaches, the real estate sector is looking for a clear roadmap that keeps the current upswing going while making homeownership more affordable and projects easier to deliver. Tax and GST relief are at the top of our expectations, with a strong need for higher deductions on home loan interest under Section 24 and a more rational GST structure on construction inputs and under-construction homes, especially for first-time and affordable homebuyers. Equally important is liquidity support through easier institutional credit, credit guarantees for housing-focused NBFCs, and the revival or expansion of interest subvention and 80EEA-type benefits so more Indian families can own homes.'
He further added, "The industry is also seeking simpler, more predictable capital gains rules to draw in long-term domestic and global capital, particularly into premium and luxury housing. Moreover, the long-awaited recognition of real estate with formal 'industry status', combined with a sustained push on urban infrastructure, logistics and smart cities and faster single-window digital approvals, will be key to unlocking lower-cost finance, speeding up project timelines, and spreading growth beyond just Tier 1 cities."
Mr. Sushil Kumar Aggarwal, Chairman and Whole-Time Director of AVRO India Limited; National President of The All-India Plastics Molded Furniture Manufacturers Association (AIPMFMA); Chairman, CII Western U.P Zone-
"India's formal recycling ecosystem remains constrained by a policy framework that has not kept pace with sustainability goals. High GST on plastic waste, scrap, recycling machinery, and inputs continues to make compliant recycling financially uncompetitive. The Union Budget must prioritise zero-rating GST on plastic waste, scrap, and recycling equipment, along with a meaningful reduction in GST on recycled plastic granules, to incentivise their use in long-life and durable products. Without correcting these cost distortions, the transition from virgin to recycled plastics will remain limited.
Fiscal reform without regulatory certainty will not deliver scale. "EPR cannot work unless it is clear, stable, enforceable, and fully traceable, and the Budget must decisively strengthen EPR guidelines to ensure accountability across the value chain and give recyclers the confidence to commit long-term capital. Equally critical is the introduction of a dedicated technology upgradation fund and targeted subsidies for advanced recycling processes and automation, which will allow Indian recyclers to improve efficiency, meet global quality benchmarks, and make EPR compliance commercially viable at scale.
Mr. Ajit Chauhan, Chairman, Amity University Online
"With the Union Budget 2026, we look forward to the government's continued commitment to widening access, strengthening digital infrastructure, and making higher education more outcome-led in the true spirit of NEP 2020. This priority was reflected in the previous Union Budget of 2025, which allocated ₹1.28 lakh crore to the Ministry of Education-an increase of 6.22% over the previous year, including 50,000 crore allocation for higher education.
The progressive regulatory framework for online degrees has enabled institutions like Amity University Online to deliver borderless, credible education to learners and working professionals across India and global markets. As India moves decisively towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, this is a timely opportunity to accelerate this momentum through deeper investments in digital public infrastructure for education, stronger industry–academia collaboration, and incentives that encourage large-scale upskilling.
There is also an opportunity in the upcoming budget to introduce targeted incentives for large-scale AI skilling-supporting universities for curriculum redesign, faculty training, and advanced digital platforms required to embed emerging technologies meaningfully into higher education. With nearly two-thirds of our population under the age of 35 and NEP 2020 envisioning a 50% GER by 2035, online education has become the cornerstone of India's education strategy. Strengthening it as a mainstream means to quality education will be essential to widening access, deepening outcomes, and creating the skilled human capital needed for India's next phase of growth."
Mr. Jignesh Mehta, MD and Founder of Divine Solitaires, India's leading Natural Diamond Jewellery Brand-
"Geopolitical fluctuations at the macro-economical level and price volatility will continue to impact India's natural diamonds industry this year. This budget, we look forward to measures that will not only power the industry to stay resilient amid these shifts but also further cement India's position as the world's leading diamond cutting and polishing centre as well as a globally-recognised trading hub.
For India's diamond trading to leap into its next phase of international growth, Indian-origin consumer brands with a global vision should receive stronger institutional support from the government, whether through duty rationalisation or easier access to financing, enabling them to scale competitively on the global stage.
Rationalising the existing 5% import duty on cut and polished diamonds as well as coloured gemstones to 2.5% will further boost exports, generate employment and push local manufacturing.
Natural diamonds hold great value as emotional purchases as well as lucrative long-term investments and the recent BIS notification clearly differentiating natural from lab-grown diamonds was a step in the right direction for the industry, instilling trust and transparency in buyers.
The current environment calls for a balanced policy approach, one that stimulates domestic demand, strengthens the organised jewellery ecosystem and allows the natural diamond industry to continue contributing meaningfully to India's consumption economy and export growth."
"As the technology sector moves from recovery to scale, the Union Budget 2026–27 has an important role to play in strengthening India's position in the global digital and AI economy. The industry will continue to look for policy momentum around domestic electronics manufacturing, including deeper support for component ecosystems and PLI-led value creation. Equally important is a sharper focus on AI, through investments in compute infrastructure, data centres, R&D, and large-scale skilling, to enable responsible and widespread adoption across enterprises, education, and public services. Measures that improve the affordability of computing devices and reduce input cost pressures will further accelerate digital inclusion and technology penetration across emerging markets. A balanced approach that aligns manufacturing depth with AI-led innovation will be critical for the sustained growth of India's IT and technology sector." — Alok Dubey, Chief Financial Officer, Acer India
"As India looks ahead to Union Budget 2026–27, the sustained focus on digital capability building and talent development provides a strong base for a future-ready workforce. Continued investments in skills across AI, data, cloud, and digital engineering are strengthening India's ability to support complex enterprise transformation programs at global scale.
Across the technology services sector, companies are focused on building delivery-ready talent through enterprise-led training, apprenticeships, and structured early-career programs. Budget provisions that help scale these efforts and enable closer collaboration with educational institutions can sustain this momentum and reinforce India's position as a global hub for digital services delivery." - Venkatesan Vijayaraghavan, Chief Operating Officer, Virtusa.
Mr. Nikkhil K. Masurkar, CEO, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.
India's pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem must take center stage in the 2026–27 Union Budget to sustain and accelerate our global momentum. With US tariff uncertainties, supply-chain disruptions, and geopolitical headwinds intensifying, decisive and forward-looking policy support is no longer optional, it is imperative to protect our competitiveness and strengthen India's strategic advantage. We need significantly stronger R&D incentives, larger tax credits, grants, and innovation-linked funding, to catalyse truly differentiated specialty products, from complex generics to next-generation therapies that address unmet global needs. Equally critical is an unwavering push toward domestic manufacturing and API self-reliance. Reducing import dependence will build resilient supply chains capable of withstanding external shocks while reinforcing India's pharmaceutical sovereignty.
Extending and strengthening PLI schemes, along with manufacturing-linked incentives, will further expand production capacity and generate high quality employment across the country. For pharma MSMEs, the true backbone of grassroots innovation, targeted Budgetary support for R&D infrastructure, quality systems, and regulatory compliance will be essential to meet revised Schedule M requirements and succeed in stringent global audits such as USFDA and EMA.
Simplified regulations, faster approvals, and long-term policy predictability are equally vital to improving ease of doing business, enabling companies to focus their energy on patients rather than paperwork. These reforms directly translate into affordable, accessible medicines reaching every corner of India, from rural communities to metropolitan centres.
I remain optimistic that the upcoming Budget will strike the right balance between innovation, affordability, and industrial strength, reinforcing India's position as a trusted global pharmaceutical leader.
Budget Expectation Quote by Jeel Gandhi, CEO, Under25:
"With over 65% of India's population under 35, the upcoming Union Budget is a pivotal moment for the country's youth. It presents a critical opportunity to allocate dedicated funds and provide incentives that support early-stage funding, seed capital access, and enable start-ups for young entrepreneurs. We expect a long-term vision of positioning India as a global hub for young talent, where these dedicated allocations will help reduce entry barriers and give a boost to youth-led innovation.
Being one of the youngest nations in the world, there is immense potential. But this potential needs preparation. Most fresh graduates in India face the same challenge – a degree in hand but limited skills in the real world. Supporting structured, paid internships and industry-academia collaboration can significantly ease young Indian's transition from education to employment. This is essential to leverage India's demographic dividend for economic growth.
Another area that needs consideration is affordable internet and digital infrastructure, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This will ensure equal access to opportunities, especially in the creator economy. Lastly, we also expect a stronger focus on Gen-Z-ready skills across digital, creative, communication, AI, and other new-age tech to build employability that sustains in the long run."
Here is the Budget Expectation Quote By Niyati Handa, Co-founders & Director of Eklavya:
"Looking ahead at Budget 2026, there is a bigger expectation that India's education agenda will be recalibrated. The focus should move beyond enrollment numbers to learning outcomes, strengthening critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and teaching excellence that shape young minds.
A substantive increase in the budget for school education is essential, especially at the foundational level. Investments to upgrade teacher training, curriculum modernisation, and age-appropriate learning frameworks have to take place holistically to develop solid academic and cognitive roots for future-ready learners. Likewise, I believe that bridging the urban–rural education gap should remain one of the top priorities. When monetary assistance is enabled in scaling digital and hybrid learning models, it can significantly expand access to quality education in Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural regions, ensuring that geography does not limit potential.
Teacher capacity building also deserves sharper focus. Continuous upskilling of educators with evolving student requirements, new pedagogies, and even interdisciplinary approaches will be key to sustaining educational reform. Additionally, certain policies can also be employed that reinforce merit-based pathways for students through scholarships and need-based financial support. This, in turn, will ensure that deserving students are empowered to pursue their aspirations without financial constraints.
A strong case also exists for closely aligning education with career outcomes, emerging professions and real-world problem-solving. We expect budgetary support for learning to become more relevant and make a difference.
Ultimately, Budget 2026 must envision education as a long-term strategic investment: one that powers India's knowledge economy, drives innovation, advances the research ecosystem, and solidifies the nation's global competitiveness over the years to come."
Jayant Singh, Founder & Managing Director, TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts (Mid-Segment Hospitality)
“The Indian mid-segment hospitality sector continues to be a key growth engine for tourism, driven by strong domestic demand, rising consumer aspirations, and evolving travel patterns. As an Indian brand focused on value-conscious domestic travellers, TreeHouse Hotels believes Budget 2026 should prioritise structural support for mid-market and value hospitality players to sustain growth momentum, encourage investment in Tier II and Tier III cities, and improve access to capital.
We urge policymakers to consider sector-specific reforms that reduce compliance burdens, enable affordable financing, and recognise the vital role mid-segment hotels play in employment generation and inclusive tourism growth. Such measures will support investment in quality infrastructure while enhancing the affordability and accessibility of reliable accommodation for India’s growing domestic traveller base.
While the government has made commendable efforts to promote tourism and develop destination infrastructure, further targeted support can accelerate travel growth. With robust domestic demand and improving international arrivals, the hospitality sector is well positioned for sustained expansion in 2026 and beyond. Addressing structural challenges facing mid-segment hotels will be critical to unlocking faster and more balanced growth across the tourism economy.”
