FICCI NE sees strong economic confidence in Budget 2026-27
Agartala, Feb 1: The FICCI Northeast Advisory Council has welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, stating that the Budget presents an inclusive and forward-looking roadmap for economic growth and employment generation, with a clear focus on priority regions, manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism and reforms, in line with the Government’s vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas.
In a press release, Ranjit Barthakur, Chairman, FICCI Northeast Advisory Council, while reacting to the Union Budget, said that the Budget reflects confidence in India’s economic fundamentals and addresses emerging global challenges with a balanced policy approach.
“At a time of heightened geopolitical and global uncertainty, it is encouraging that the Budget builds on India’s strong growth performance and reinforces confidence in the economy’s ability to sustain momentum. The continued emphasis on public capital expenditure, manufacturing, MSMEs and infrastructure provides a solid foundation for long-term growth and employment generation,” he said.
Barthakur also highlighted the importance of investments in human capital. “The focus on education, healthcare and skill development is particularly important, as these sectors are central to building long-term capacity and ensuring that growth remains inclusive. Strengthening healthcare and education ecosystems will be critical for regions such as the North-East to fully participate in India’s growth journey,” he added.
Highlighting infrastructure priorities, Barthakur said the emphasis on inland waterways and multimodal logistics is especially relevant for the North-East. “The push towards expanding national inland waterways and promoting multimodal logistics is extremely important for the North-East, particularly Assam. Improved riverine connectivity can significantly reduce logistics costs, improve access to markets and unlock the region’s economic potential,” he said.
On sustainability, Barthakur welcomed the environmental initiatives announced in the Budget. “The proposed large-scale deployment of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage reflects a growing commitment to environmentally responsible growth. Such initiatives will be important as India expands industrial capacity while meeting its climate and sustainability goals,” he added.
Dr. Ghanshyam Dhanuka, Chairman, FICCI Assam State Council, said that the Budget contains several announcements of direct relevance to Assam, while also addressing key national priorities. “The proposed development of Buddhist circuits across Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura is a significant initiative. This will strengthen tourism infrastructure, preserve cultural heritage and create employment opportunities linked to the local economy,” he said.
Joydeep Gupta, Co-Chairman, FICCI Assam State Council, welcomed the Union Budget’s strong emphasis on digital and technology-led growth with a clear regional focus.
Highlighting region-specific opportunities, Gupta said: “The promotion of agarwood (oudh) as a high-value forest and aromatic product can boost rural livelihoods, exports and agro-forestry-based enterprises in Assam,”. He also welcomed the healthcare and tourism initiatives announced in the Budget.
Larsing Sawyan, Co-Chairman, FICCI Northeast State Council, said that the Budget’s initiatives will have a tangible impact at the community level. The focus on tourism, sports, skilling and agriculture will help create livelihood opportunities at the grassroots level, he said.
Sawyan also welcomed the Budget’s announcements on development of Buddhist circuits, expansion of sports infrastructure and talent development, support for high-value agriculture including agarwood cultivation, strengthening of skilling ecosystems, sustainable infrastructure development, MSME support measures and reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business, which together are expected to contribute to long-term growth and employment generation.
