Goan industry welcomes Union Budget, calls it growth-oriented

Special Correspondent

Panaji

Stating that the Union Budget 2026-27 meets the expectations of the common man, Goa’s top industry leaders have welcomed the annual financial statement for the forthcoming fiscal year, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Sunday.

Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) president Pratima Dhond said the budget is growth-oriented, addresses the needs of the common people, and strongly supports the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. She highlighted that, to accelerate and sustain economic growth, the Finance Minister announced targeted interventions across six key areas: rejuvenation of legacy industrial sectors, creation of champion MSMEs, strengthening infrastructure, ensuring long-term economic security, development of city economic regions, and establishment of industry-led research and training centres to build a skilled and technology-ready workforce.

Dhond said that initiatives such as Bharat Vistar, a multilingual AI tool integrating the agri-stack, and the creation of She Marts, community-owned retail outlets, will significantly empower women entrepreneurs.

GCCI vice-chairman Yatin Kakodkar said, “It is a confident budget aimed at balanced development and achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat.” He added that the state government should capitalise on opportunities such as promoting medical tourism in Goa through close cooperation with the Centre.

ASSOCHAM Goa State Development Council chairman Manguirish Pai Raikar said the Union Budget presents an opportunity for Goa to strengthen tourism, develop iconic structures, and focus on upskilling youth to showcase the state’s culture and traditions. He added that the budget will support economic growth and infrastructure development.

Stating that the projected growth of 7.4 per cent this year reflects announcements made in the previous budget, GCCI vice-president Sangam Kurade said proposals related to tourism, youth skilling, institutes of hospitality, manpower upskilling and promotion of the orange economy will positively impact Goa.

The Goa State Industries Association said measures such as the Rs 10,000-crore SME growth fund, enhanced TReDS-based liquidity, and support for industrial clusters will significantly aid MSME scale-up and ease compliance.