With less than two weeks left until the Union Budget 2026–27, experts are voicing their expectations. Emphasis is placed on sustaining economic growth and generating significant employment opportunities. The CEO of Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, highlighted the necessity for the upcoming budget to prioritize the rapid adoption of technology by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Gupta noted that MSMEs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities currently contribute approximately $1.5 trillion to India’s economy, with a growth rate of nearly 10%. He suggested that with structured encouragement for technology adoption, this growth rate could potentially increase to 18%. Gupta stressed the importance of a clear and supportive policy framework to facilitate this growth, anticipating such measures to be announced by the central government in the upcoming budget.
Additionally, Gupta advocated for the establishment of digital economy zones in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities nationwide. This strategic move could lead to the creation of about 100 new growth hubs, fostering regional development and alleviating pressure on major metropolitan areas. Another key expectation outlined by Gupta is the proposal for a dedicated scheme to escalate the number of startups in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities from the current one lakh to five lakh. Such an initiative would significantly enhance employment opportunities throughout the country.
The Union Budget, scheduled for presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 at 11 am, marks a unique occurrence as it will be the first Sunday budget presentation since 2000. Previous budgets in 2025 and 2015 were presented on Saturdays.
