Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta has welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, describing it as a comprehensive blueprint that will guide India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. The Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, lays strong emphasis on sustainable economic growth, infrastructure development, and long-term reforms while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Speaking on the Budget, Mehta said its vision is built around three key responsibilities, accelerating sustainable economic growth, strengthening human capacity, and ensuring inclusive development. He noted that these principles are reflected across policy measures and reform initiatives outlined in the Finance Bill 2026.
A major highlight of the Budget is the continued focus on infrastructure-led growth. The government has proposed a significant increase in public capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore. This includes investment in seven new high-speed rail corridors, expansion of national waterways, urban development projects, and strengthening digital public infrastructure. According to Mehta, these investments will improve connectivity, enhance productivity, and support long-term economic resilience.
The Solicitor General also highlighted the Budget’s emphasis on linking education with employment and entrepreneurship. He said the focus on skill development and enterprise creation demonstrates confidence in India’s youth, whom he described as the country’s most valuable resource. Initiatives aimed at improving education outcomes and job readiness are expected to strengthen the workforce and support economic growth in the coming decades.
Mehta said the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat has been reinforced through targeted support for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The Budget includes measures to enhance access to finance, promote innovation, and improve competitiveness in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, biomaterials, and critical minerals. These steps are aimed at reducing import dependence and strengthening India’s position in global supply chains.
On taxation, Mehta noted that the Finance Bill 2026 introduces several provisions designed to ease compliance and reduce litigation. He said the tax framework is increasingly based on trust, with measures to simplify procedures and provide relief to both corporate taxpayers and individuals. The Budget also proposes steps to reduce the pendency of tax disputes, improve clarity in tax administration, and ensure faster resolution of cases.
According to Mehta, these reforms are expected to improve the business environment and boost investor confidence. He added that the benefits of reduced litigation and simplified compliance would be felt in both the short and long term.
Overall, the Union Budget 2026–27 reflects the government’s intention to balance immediate economic needs with long-term national goals. By combining infrastructure investment, human capital development, self-reliance initiatives, and tax reforms, the Budget aims to build a future-ready economy.
Mehta concluded that the Budget addresses present challenges while laying a strong foundation for a resilient, competitive, and inclusive India, aligned with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
