The FICCI Northeast Advisory Council has welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, stating that the Budget presents an inclusive and forward-looking roadma 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.
Mr. 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.
Mr. 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, Mr. 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, Mr. 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.
Dr. Dhanuka also welcomed the national-level reform measures announced in the Budget.
“The continued focus on ease of doing business, rationalisation of tax administration,
reduction in litigation and greater certainty for taxpayers will improve investor confidence and
provide long-term policy stability. These reforms will support enterprise-led growth and
benefit states like Assam that are actively working to attract investment,” he added.
Mr. 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. “The tax
holiday for cloud services and safe harbour provisions position India as a global data centre
and cloud hub, opening up new investment opportunities for Assam and the North East beyond
metro cities,” he said.
Mr. Gupta added that the Budget’s IT sector reforms would significantly improve ease of doing
business. “By consolidating IT services, raising the safe harbour threshold to ₹2,000 crore and
introducing automated approvals, the Budget will support mid-sized IT firms, start-ups and
digital service providers in Tier-II and Tier-III cities,” he said.
Highlighting region-specific opportunities, Mr. 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.
“Strengthening mental healthcare infrastructure, including integration of institutions such as
the Tezpur Mental Hospital with national systems, will improve access to specialised care and
position Assam as a regional hub for mental health services,” he said.
Mr. 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. Initiatives such as tourism infrastructure development and the Khelo
India Mission can support local enterprises, youth participation and community-based
economic activity while preserving the region’s cultural and social strengths,” he said.
Mr. 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.
