Chairperson of 20-Point Progamme Lanka Dinakar on Saturday (January 31) said the Union Budget 2026-27 scheduled to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 is expected to lay a strong foundation for achieving the Viksit Bharat vision through Atmanirbhar Bharat and inclusive growth amidst projections of a 7.80% growth rate.
In statement, he said the reforms implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi paved the way for an appreciable rise in the people’s incomes and investments in gold, real estate, shares and mutual funds have yielded high returns.
The Budget is likely to envisage measures that would reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 60% over the next five years and due emphasis would be laid on de-dollarisation and increasing the gold reserves.
Mr. Dinakar observed that before 2014, borrowings were largely used for consumption and government maintenance, but between 2014 and 2025 the borrowings were utilised for asset creation. Cash transfers amounting to ₹45 lakh crore were directly made to the beneficiaries under various schemes, and a greater focus is likely to be laid on reinforcing the digital economy.
The budget will give impetus to providing institutional credit to the MSMEs under the scheme of MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) loans, and development of the National Highways will continue to be a thrust area. Infrastructure will be a top priority area with focus on improving rail and air connectivity and development of the maritime sector.
Published – January 31, 2026 06:54 pm IST
