As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman readies to present a record ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, economists and industry leaders are calling for a sharp focus on jobs, MSMEs, skills and inclusive growth. Expectations include tax relief for the middle class, stronger support for small businesses, and targeted welfare spending.
Ahead of the Budget, NIIT Vice Chairman Vijay K Thadani urged the government to remove the 18% GST on AI skilling courses and expand research funding for private institutions, arguing that affordable AI education is key to building India’s global talent pool.
The Economic Survey projects India’s potential growth at around 7%, with FY27 GDP growth estimated between 6.8% and 7.2%, despite global uncertainties. Economists have stressed the need for decentralized investments, greater support to startups and argon-based industries, and better targeting of welfare schemes.
Meanwhile, equity markets will remain open on Budget Sunday, with NSE and BSE confirming normal trading hours during the Budget presentation.
