With just two weeks left until the Union Budget 2026-27, experts from various sectors are voicing their expectations to sustain India’s economic momentum while creating ample job opportunities. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, emphasized the need for the government to prioritize rapid technology adoption among MSMEs in the upcoming budget.
Gupta highlighted that MSMEs operating particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities contribute a staggering $1.5 trillion to the economy, boasting a growth rate of 10 percent. ‘Integrating technology could propel this to 18 percent,’ he asserted, calling for a dedicated policy framework. He expressed optimism that the central government would introduce such measures in this budget.
Further, Gupta advocated for establishing Digital Economy Zones in these smaller cities, which could spawn around 100 growth engines nationwide. This strategic push, he believes, would unlock unprecedented economic potential.
On his third key expectation, Gupta pointed out the existence of approximately one lakh startups in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. ‘A comprehensive scheme is essential to scale this to five lakh, generating massive employment,’ he urged.
The budget will be presented by the Finance Minister on February 1 at 11 AM, marking the first Sunday presentation since 2000. This follows last year’s Saturday unveiling and the 2015 budget also on a Saturday.