The Gujarat Budget for 2026–27, totaling Rs 4.08 lakh crore, has garnered praise from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The CII highlighted that the budget signifies a substantial push towards bolstering infrastructure and expanding industrial capacity. Finance Minister Kanu Desai presented the budget in the state Assembly on Wednesday.
Karan Shah, Co-Convenor of the CII Gujarat Panel for Policy Advocacy, Ease of Doing Business, and Economic Affairs, expressed satisfaction with the budget’s scale. Shah described the budget surpassing the Rs 4 lakh crore mark as a historic milestone for Gujarat. He emphasized that this milestone signals a significant increase in infrastructure and developmental expenditures.
Shah lauded the proposed expansion of industrial infrastructure, particularly the announcement of 25 new estates by the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). He highlighted that this move would facilitate decentralized growth and create employment opportunities in various regions. The establishment of 25 new GIDCs is expected to provide a substantial impetus to industrial growth, fostering development decentralization and forming regional employment centers.
Moreover, Shah pointed out the budget’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. He mentioned that the plan to set up new i-Hubs would enhance the state’s startup ecosystem and support technology-driven enterprises. The budget’s emphasis on the startup ecosystem through the proposal of new i-Hubs aims to keep Gujarat at the forefront of entrepreneurship and technology.
Shah also acknowledged the budget’s attention to social sectors, including initiatives targeting women’s welfare and healthcare. He commended the budget for its balanced approach to development, incorporating industry-friendly measures and addressing social welfare. The CII views this budget as forward-thinking, with several policy recommendations integrated, appreciating the government’s support for businesses and the groundwork laid for Gujarat’s development.
Furthermore, Shah highlighted that the budget aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ and positions Gujarat as a significant contributor to India’s long-term growth.
