Calls it people-centric with a clear focus on long-term growth
CM Pramod Sawant watches the live Union Budget session with college students and dignitaries at Ravindra Bhavan in Sanquelim.
PANAJI/BICHOLIM
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, describing it as a bold, reform-oriented and people-centric Budget that prioritises “people over populism” and focuses on long-term growth over populist measures.
Sawant watched the live Budget presentation along with college students and dignitaries at the Ravindra Bhavan in Sanquelim. In a post on X and later speaking on the occasion, he said the Viksit Bharat Budget reflects a clear philosophy of “people over populism” and strikes a fine balance between fiscal prudence and economic growth, strengthening trust in public investment while accelerating India’s journey towards becoming a globally competitive economy.
He highlighted the historic emphasis on capital expenditure, stating that it would energise infrastructure creation, logistics, railways and urban growth. The Chief Minister also welcomed the push for manufacturing across seven strategic sectors, noting that it would generate employment, boost MSMEs and strengthen domestic value chains.
Praising initiatives aimed at technological self-reliance, Sawant said the launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, along with full-stack design support, domestic intellectual property development and supply chain strengthening, marks a decisive step towards self-reliance in critical technologies.
On the healthcare front, he welcomed the Biopharma Shakti initiative, expansion of NIPERs, clinical trial networks and the development of medical tourism hubs, saying these measures would position India as a global hub for affordable, high-quality healthcare and biologic medicines.
Sawant also noted the Budget’s focus on agriculture and coastal economies, particularly special attention to coconut-growing regions and the cashew sector, which he said would strengthen agro-processing and enhance farmer incomes in states like Goa.
PWD Minister Digambar Kamat said the Budget announcements are directly relevant to Goa’s economy, especially in terms of agriculture- and MSME-driven livelihoods. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the Budget reinforces the swadeshi mantra of “Make the World Buy India” and amplifies the push for vocal for local while aiming for higher economic growth, stability and energy self-sufficiency.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said the Budget places Yuva Shakti at the centre of India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat, and is built on three kartavyas — sustainable growth, fulfilling aspirations and inclusive opportunities.
Calling the Budget visionary and futuristic, the Chief Minister said it lays out a clear roadmap for innovation, employment, inclusive growth and a resilient India.
