- Education & Skilling Seek Financial Relief in Budget 2026
"In Budget 2026, I hope to see stronger support for personal finance in the education and skilling sector. Today, students and working professionals want to upskill, but high costs often hold them back. The government can make a real difference by offering tax benefits on professional courses, reducing GST on EdTech services, and simplifying access to education loans. Increased public spending on digital learning infrastructure will also empower millions to pursue global credentials without financial stress. An affordable, future-ready learning ecosystem is not just an expectation - it's a necessity for India's skilled workforce." asserts Dr. Kamal Chhabra, Founder & CEO of KC GLobEd
- Tourism Sector Seeks Skilling Push in Budget 2026
"As we look forward to the Union Budget 2026, we expect the government to prioritise long-pending skilling reforms that can truly strengthen India's tourism and hospitality workforce. The sector urgently needs industry-aligned curriculum, modernised training with digital and AI-integrated modules, and regional hospitality skill centres that expand access, especially across high-potential states. Streamlined apprenticeship pathways and stronger PPP models can significantly boost hands-on training, employability, and wage growth for youth.
With targeted budgetary support towards curriculum modernisation, digital skilling, apprenticeships, and quality assurance, India can reduce persistent skill gaps and raise service standards across the sector. We also hope for continued focus on MSME support, sustainable tourism, infrastructure enhancement, and ease of doing business, all of which are essential to unlocking new destinations and strengthening India's global tourism competitiveness. A future-ready, industry-trained workforce remains central to achieving Tourism Vision 2047." By Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council
- Kitchen Appliances Sector Seeks Policy Boost in Budget 2026
"The kitchen appliances industry witnessed steady growth in 2025, driven by rising urbanisation, increasing preference for modular kitchens, and higher consumer spending on premium and energy-efficient products. While demand has been strong, the industry continues to face challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices, high import duties on critical components, and the need for faster adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies. Government incentives for domestic production and quality standards have been beneficial, but deeper support is essential to strengthen India's position as a global hub for premium appliances.
For the Union Budget 2026, we expect rationalisation of GST slabs, reduced import duties on essential components, and robust support for R&D and innovation. Policies encouraging sustainable manufacturing, skill development, and improved logistics infrastructure will help the sector scale faster. Strengthening the 'Make in India' ecosystem and empowering consumer-centric technology will be key to driving long-term growth and global competitiveness for the industry." By Mr. Nalin Kumar, CEO of KAFF Appliances
- Sustaining Hospitality's Growth Momentum
"2025 has been a strong year for the hotel industry, driven by rising domestic travel, improved occupancy levels, and greater preference for branded hospitality. However, challenges such as high operational costs, talent shortages, and increasing compliance burdens continue to impact profitability. While government initiatives have supported tourism growth, the sector now needs deeper reforms. In the Union Budget 2026, we expect rationalization of GST, incentives for green and tech-enabled hotels, easier access to credit for expansion, and focused skill development. Strengthening infrastructure and promoting new tourist circuits will further accelerate demand and enable the industry to sustain its positive momentum." By Dr. Vikram Kamat, Chairman and Managing Director of VITSKAMATS Group
- Real Estate Seeks Structural Reforms in Budget
"Before the Budget session, the real estate sector is asking for significant changes in the system instead of temporary solutions. When affordability is getting worse and demand is dropping in some areas, the thing that we most need is the official recognition of real estate as an industry. By doing so, it would be possible to give developers cheaper financing and, as a result, increase the housing supply, particularly in the mid- and affordable-housing segments. The introduction of more attractive tax benefits for homebuyers, rationalised GST or stamp duty on under-construction homes, and a more dynamic Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme would be the ways to buyer confidence restoration. From the supply side, the removal of capital barriers and the enhancement of regulatory clarity will be the developers' tools to not only maintain but also increase the delivery of quality, compliant projects. Such a Budget would be a game-changer." By Mr. Gaurav Mavi, Co-founder, BOP.in
- Strengthening Domestic Electrical Manufacturing Through PLI Support
"With India's electronics PLI scheme disbursing over ₹21,500 crore so far and attracting ₹1.76 lakh crore in committed investment, we expect Budget 2026 to double down on support for domestic manufacturing. A modest reduction in import duties on raw materials and extension of incentives to components for lighting and switchgear would help companies deliver global-quality products at competitive prices. For consumers, this could mean access to safer, more durable home electrical solutions built for Indian conditions. For manufacturers willing to uphold strict quality, it would renew confidence in scaling up responsibly." By Mr Santosh Shah, MD of VYNA Electric
- Budget Expectations 2026 – Statement from OPO Hotels & Resorts by Mr. Amit Kumar Singh, Founder & Managing Director
"For the hospitality sector, Budget 2026 should prioritise measures that support growth, job creation, and regional tourism development. We expect enhanced tax incentives for hotel infrastructure, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, where demand is rising. A reduction in GST for budget and mid-scale hotels will significantly boost domestic travel and improve operating margins for small and mid-sized operators. Additionally, easing credit access for hotel renovations and brownfield conversions can accelerate organised growth. Strengthening last-mile connectivity and promoting digital tourism initiatives will further enhance India's hospitality ecosystem."
- Budget Expectations 2026 : by Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director at Anytime Fitness
Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director of Anytime Fitness India, highlights his budget expectations, stating, "India's fitness penetration remains extremely low, with less than 1% (0.8%) of the population enrolled in gyms, compared to nearly 25% in Western countries. To build a healthier India, gymming and fitness services must be recognised as essential pillars of preventive healthcare."
He further adds, "The government and banking sector can play a pivotal role by enabling easier financing options such as low-interest loans and simplified access to credit for gym owners, franchisees, and entrepreneurs. This will encourage greater participation in the fitness industry, support infrastructure expansion, and ultimately make preventive healthcare more accessible across the country, while reducing the long-term burden on hospitals."
He also emphasises that the Union Budget 2026 should focus on strengthening the wellness ecosystem through measures such as tax rebates on fitness memberships and the expansion of nationwide campaigns that actively promote healthier and more active lifestyles.
Mr. Muneer Ahmad, Managing Director, ViewSonic India
As India accelerates its journey towards a technology-driven future, the upcoming budget is a key opportunity to strengthen digital learning and embrace emerging technologies. Digital education has become central to modern learning, enabling students and educators to access interactive, immersive, and personalized experiences. Policies that support affordable devices, high-speed connectivity, and smart classroom solutions will be vital to bridging the urban-rural learning divide. Investing in technologies such as AI and cloud-based platforms can enhance educational quality while preparing students with the skills needed for the global knowledge economy. Incentives for technology adoption in schools and skill development centres can accelerate this transformation, creating a digitally empowered workforce. At ViewSonic, we are committed to enabling seamless digital learning experiences and supporting India's vision of a tech-enabled educational ecosystem, ensuring the next generation is equipped to thrive in the digital age.
Pre Budget Quote On Behalf of Anand Mahurkar, CEO & Founder at Findability Sciences
India does not lack AI talent or innovation—we lack predictability in compute, data, and governance. Today, uncertainty around data rules, infrastructure approvals, and one-size-fits-all regulation slows real deployment. The most powerful step government can take is to make compute and trusted data as accessible and reliable as electricity. Pair that with outcome-based procurement, applied-AI incentives, and time-bound compute credits tied to measurable impact. When startups and enterprises can build with certainty, India will move from AI pilots to scalable, globally competitive AI leadership.
By: Mr. Madhusudhan HK - Country Manager - Aerolase
I am optimistic about the upcoming Union Budget's potential to supercharge India's med-tech ecosystem. Rationalizing or reducing import duties on advanced laser and medical devices would make cutting-edge, non-invasive technologies more accessible and affordable, democratizing high-quality dermatology and aesthetic treatments. We also expect faster, streamlined regulatory clearances to foster innovation and bring global breakthroughs to Indian clinics swiftly. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, alongside incentives for adopting energy-based devices, will propel adoption in tier 1 and tier 2 cities. Support for clinical training and skill development programs is essential to empower dermatologists with expertise in these technologies. These measures will not only enhance patient outcomes but also position India as a med-tech powerhouse, driving economic growth through healthier, empowered communities.
Reny Varghese, COO, Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai
The budget should aim to strengthen India's healthcare system in a more inclusive and secure manner. With rising healthcare demands across urban and rural India, it will be essential to take a decisive step by ensuring accessible healthcare for all. Higher budget allocation for rural health is important to bridge the gap in access, infrastructure, and trained manpower, ensuring quality care reaches the last mile. At the policy level, actively involving experienced professionals from the private healthcare sector can bring practical insights, innovation, and efficiency into decision-making. Other pivotal factors like reserving dedicated funds to protect medical professionals from mob violence, ensuring their safety and dignity at the workplace should also be highlighted in the budget. A secure and well-supported healthcare workforce is essential for delivering timely, consistent, patient-centric care and saving lives. The budget should be deeply committed to public health as well as medical professionals. We are eagerly looking forward to the budget which will prioritize the nation's health and shape the future of healthcare in India.
Inputs shared by Dr. P. Vijaya, President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA).
The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) looks forward to a Union Budget that prioritises stroke prevention, early diagnosis, and timely access to quality care, as the burden of stroke continues to rise rapidly across the country. Stroke is no longer limited to the elderly; we are increasingly seeing youngsters affected due to lifestyle-related risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and stress. We urge the government to allocate higher funding for strengthening stroke-ready infrastructure, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, to ensure faster access to imaging, thrombolysis, and rehabilitation services. Increased support for public awareness campaigns is equally important, as early recognition of stroke symptoms and prompt treatment can save lives and prevent long-term disability. Investment in training healthcare professionals and promoting preventive health screenings will be key. A strong, healthcare-focused budget can significantly reduce stroke-related mortality, disability, and the overall economic burden on families and the nation.
