Union Budget 2026 Academicians Speak: Professors Give A Thumbs-Up To Budget; Laud Rise In Capex, Focus On Green Logistics & Pharma

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Just like investors and traders, our academicians too are closely studying the Union Budget 2026-27.

Most of them gave a thumbs-up to the India's budget, praising centre's focus on growth, education, infrastructure, skills, startups, MSMEs, healthcare, green logistics, and women empowerment.

Read their opinions below:

Prof Ganesh Kawadia, Retd Professor of Economics at DAVV Indore

The Union Budget 2026-27 presents a strategic roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047. A fundamental shift in fiscal policy, moving away from rigid annual deficit targets to a Debt-to-GDP fiscal anchor. By targeting a reduction to 55.6% in FY27 and 50% by 2031, the government is prioritizing long-term solvency and lower interest burdens.

Allotment of ₹12.2 lakh crore Capex will keep the economic engine revving. Similarly, Launch of Biopharma SHAKTI and Medical Value Tourism hubs will position India as a global service and tech leader.

Dr Neeta Tapan Chourey, Department of Economics Govt Girls PG College, Ujjain

It had a major thrust on urban areas, ensuring connectivity among Tier 2 and 3 cities, Rs. 1000 cr. per year for City Economic Regions and developing temple towns. Against the backdrop of 16^th Finance Commission, the budget announced devolution of 41% central share despite the criticism of fiscal irresponsibility of the states in the Economic Survey. Minus mention of rural areas, agriculture sector too showed a paradigmatic shift through special focus on animal husbandry, coastal food products like coconut, cashews etc., and fisheries.

Prof. Kanhaiya Ahuja, Director of Economics at DAVV Indore

The Union Budget 2026–27 signals a clear shift away from short-term populism toward long-term economic strategy. From an economist’s lens, the government has consciously prioritised building growth capacity over immediate consumption support. The backbone of the Budget remains its capex-led growth model. Heavy investments in infrastructure, logistics, railways and urban connectivity are expected to crowd in private investment, reduce logistics costs and raise productivity.

However, this future-oriented strategy comes with trade-offs. Direct job creation measures remain limited, and the absence of significant middle-class tax relief may restrain consumption. Overall, the Budget balances strategic ambition and fiscal caution, but leaving key sectors namely household welfare and employment concerns only partly addressed.

Dr Manju Mehta, Professor BSSS College, Bhopal

The Union Budget reflects a cautious yet forward-looking approach in a challenging global environment. Its emphasis on fiscal discipline, infrastructure development, and support for manufacturing underlines the government’s commitment to long-term growth.

Increased allocation for capital expenditure is welcome, as it can generate employment and strengthen economic momentum. However, greater attention to education quality, research, and skill development would have made the budget more inclusive.

While the middle class and MSMEs receive some relief, rising prices remain a concern. Overall, the budget prioritizes stability over populism, aiming to balance growth with responsibility.

-Dr Manju Mehta

Dr. Roshni Kumari, Assistant Professor, IPS Academy, Indore

The Union Budget 2026 shows a balanced and growth-driven approach with strong emphasis on human capital. The allocation for capital expenditure rose to ₹12.2 lakh crore, which brings infrastructure-led growth and job creation.

The education sector has received a lot of support. The proposal to establish Content Creation Labs in 15k schools and 500 colleges aims to grow digital, media and creative skills among youth. 

The plan to build a girls’ hostel in every district promotes education for all.

-Dr. Roshni Kumari

Dr. Reenu Yadav, Principal Prestige Institute of Management and Research, Bhopal

The government has proposed ₹10,000 crore allocation for Biopharma Shakti programme over the next five years to strengthen domestic biologics and biosimilars manufacturing.

The key initiatives include:

- Setting up 3 new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs)

- Upgrading 7 existing NIPERs for advanced research and innovation

- Creating a dedicated biopharma institutional ecosystem

This will definitely give a big boost to India's biopharmaceutical sector and skill development, Dr. Reenu Yadav expressed confidence.

Dr. Reenu Yadav

P. L. Shah, Assistant Professor (Economics), Arihant College, Indore

The Union Budget 2026 presents a mix of growth, security and reform. With a capital expenditure of ₹12.2 lakh crore and a defence outlay of ₹7.8 lakh crore, it strengthens infrastructure development and national security. 

Support for MSMEs, a push for manufacturing and semiconductors and tax simplification measures are expected to boost long-term productivity.

Healthcare relief and green logistics initiatives add an inclusive and future-ready dimension. Overall, the budget is a well-calibrated step towards Viksit Bharat.

-P. L. Shah

Ayushi Nema, Assistant Professor, Arihant College, Indore

Ayushi Nema, Assistant Professor at Arihant College, said the Union Budget 2026 includes strong support for startups, digital education and vocational training.

She added that new schemes for girl students and women entrepreneurs will help create fresh opportunities for youth, strengthen economic growth, and promote women empowerment and skill development.

-Ayushi Nema

(With Inputs from Dheeraj Mishra & Smita)