Industry Experts Share Pre-Budget Expectations
Industry leaders from key sectors have outlined their priorities for the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27, emphasising infrastructure, skills, and sustainability to drive India’s growth.
Education – Mr Rishabh Jain, President, Swarrnim Startup
and Innovation University
AI-driven workplace shifts demand education reforms focused
on execution, infrastructure and alignment with AI, climate and advanced
skills. Priorities include digital labs, faculty upskilling, industry
partnerships, climate innovation, teacher development, inclusive access, and
stronger apprenticeships and certifications to improve employability nationwide
outcomes urgently.
Data Centre & AI – Mr Rushabh Dedhia,
Managing Director of Mumbai based JIKA EPC Services Ltd
India’s data centre capacity may rise five-fold to 8 GW by
2030. The budget must cut execution risks via reliable power, faster
clearances, uniform regulations, T&D upgrades, skilling programmes,
industry status and sustainability-linked incentives to support AI- and
GPU-driven, energy-intensive data centre growth nationwide expansion.
Startup Ecosystem – Adi Rishabh Jain, Vice President,
Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University
Despite a strong 2025, India’s maturing start-up ecosystem
needs the budgetary support focused on survival capital, ESOP tax reform,
easier credit, simpler GST compliances and execution support. Prioritising
talent retention, lending clarity and stability can sustain scaling and
long-term value creation.
Textile – Mr Ronak Chiripal, Promoter, Chiripal Group
Facing steep US tariffs and export contraction, India’s textile sector needs Budget 2026–27 support to protect 45 million jobs generated by the industry. Key demands include interest equalisation, lower taxes, faster depreciation, GST cuts and input-duty rationalisation to restore competitiveness, liquidity and policy stability.
