Gujarat Industry Leaders Applaud Union Budget 2026-27 as a Comprehensive Growth Blueprint
Industry leaders across Gujarat's diverse sectors have warmly welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27, describing it as a confidence-building roadmap that provides clarity and long-term vision for sustainable economic growth. From finance and manufacturing to healthcare and education, stakeholders have highlighted specific measures that address key bottlenecks and create momentum for development.
Financial Sector and GIFT City Receive Major Boost
Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director & Group CEO of GIFT City in Gandhinagar, emphasized the budget's impact on India's offshore financial competitiveness. "The budget provides strong long-term tax certainty for entities operating from GIFT City," he stated. The extension of the tax deduction window to 20 years out of 25 years, along with a defined 15% tax rate thereafter, offers the predictability that global financial institutions seek for long-term investment decisions.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, noted that the budget addresses key bottlenecks in the gems and jewellery sector. "Extending duty-free import of Lab-Grown Diamond seeds and Sawn Diamonds till March 2028 is a timely step," he said, highlighting how this measure keeps input costs low and supports India's global leadership in this fast-growing segment.
Real Estate and Infrastructure Gain Momentum
Bhavesh Varmora, Chairman and Managing Director of Varmora Group, pointed to the stepped-up public capital expenditure of ₹12.2 lakh crore as a direct support for better connectivity and urban infrastructure. "This creates healthy momentum for the construction and building materials ecosystem," he remarked, adding that the focus on high-speed rail and waterways provides long-term visibility for sustained demand.
Shekhar Patel, MD & CEO of Ganesh Housing Ltd, emphasized the budget's improvement of long-term fundamentals for real estate. "Cities such as Ahmedabad stand to benefit significantly," he said, citing strong industrial bases and improving urban infrastructure that enhance appeal for businesses and institutional capital.
Healthcare and Lifesciences Sector Welcomes Strategic Focus
Dr Prathap C Reddy, Founder & Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, described the budget as sending a reassuring message that India's growth will be anchored in healthier citizens. "The continued focus on expanding public health capacity and strengthening prevention is consistent with the vision of Viksit Bharat," he noted, welcoming initiatives like Biopharma SHAKTI to deepen India's life sciences ecosystem.
Dr Sharvil Patel, MD of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd, highlighted the thrust on lifesciences as a welcome step. "The Biopharma Shakti programme heralds a long-term vision that can catapult India to the next orbit of growth," he said, praising measures such as upgrading NIPERs and creating a network of accredited clinical trial sites.
Education, MSMEs, and Agriculture Receive Targeted Support
Sudhir Nanavati, President of GLS University, appreciated the budget's clear focus on education and skilling. "The proposal for University Townships near industrial corridors and increased focus on STEM infrastructure will improve higher education outcomes," he stated, emphasizing the link between education and industry needs.
Sunil Shukla, Director General of Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, noted that the budget rightly recognises MSMEs as 'Champion Enterprises'. "The emphasis on women-led enterprises through initiatives like SHE-Marts is particularly encouraging," he said, enabling a shift from livelihoods to true enterprise ownership.
Sanjay Singal, CEO of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, highlighted the budget's strengthening of the linkage between agriculture and FMCG. "Measures aimed at improving farm productivity and enhancing market access will benefit plantation crops such as tea," he explained, pointing to a clear focus on rural incomes and women-led enterprises.
Bipin Hadvani, Founder of Gopal Snacks, reflected on the balanced approach to agriculture and food processing. "Enhanced investment in infrastructure and logistics will help reduce costs and improve market access for food products," he said, noting that the emphasis on rural entrepreneurship supports demand creation in semi-urban and rural markets.
Overall Sentiment: A Budget for Long-Term Growth
Rajiv Gandhi, CEO and MD of Hester Biosciences and President of Ahmedabad Management Association, summarized the budget's primary aims. "Today's budget primarily aims towards ease of doing business and ease of living," he stated, highlighting the focus on simplifying administrative processes and allocating high budgets to sectors like MSMEs, agriculture, and tourism to set them on a path of high growth.
In conclusion, Gujarat's industry leaders across sectors have unanimously praised the Union Budget 2026-27 for its strategic measures, policy stability, and vision for sustainable development, reinforcing confidence in India's economic trajectory.
