MSME Push to Infra Growth: Women Leaders React to Budget 2026

By: WE staff

Achal Khanna, CEO, SHRM, APAC & MENA. (Professional Services)

“The Union Budget 2026-27 is a visionary roadmap that reinforces India’s trajectory toward becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' by balancing bold capital expansion with disciplined fiscal prudence. By raising public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 trillion and targeting a reduced fiscal deficit of 4.3%, the government has sent a clear signal of stability to global investors while doubling down on the infrastructure and manufacturing backbones of our economy. The introduction of the 'Biopharma Shakti' scheme and 'Semiconductor Mission 2.0' specifically highlights a strategic shift toward high-tech self-reliance, ensuring that India is not just a participant, but a leader in the global value chain. Equally commendable is the budget’s focus on democratizing growth through the empowerment of MSMEs and the 'Orange Economy.' The creation of a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and the establishment of AVGC Content Creator Labs across thousands of institutions demonstrate a forward-thinking commitment to skilling our youth for the digital age. By simplifying the tax landscape with the new Income Tax Act and providing targeted relief to the middle class, this budget effectively stimulates domestic consumption while fostering an environment where innovation and enterprise can thrive. It is a comprehensive blueprint that effectively bridges the gap between grassroots development and global competitiveness.”

Natasha Treasurywala, Partner at Desai & Diwanji

Higher Investment Limits for Persons Resident Outside India: “Increasing the limits on persons resident outside India to invest in listed equity instruments a welcome move to increase foreign participation. This attracts higher foreign investments through an easier route at a time when more liquidity is required in the markets.”

 Chemical Parks: “Setting up of chemical parks could be a great boost to chemical companies hit by import challenges including global price volatility, supply chain disruptions and exchange rate fluctuations”