Dateline Dehradun: India’s Union Budget 2026–27, presented in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, is a balanced, inclusive and visionary budget that takes the nation closer to the realisation of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision. Through this budget, the government has presented a clear roadmap for holistic and long-term national development, keeping in mind the aspirations of every section of society—farmers, youth, women, the middle class and industry.
These views were expressed by Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President, Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jolly Grant, and former Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Uttarakhand.
Dr. Dhasmana stated that in the third Union Budget of the Modi government’s third term, a clear balance between economic growth and social responsibility is evident. Budget 2026 is built upon three key pillars.
The first is accelerating economic growth by encouraging industry, start-ups and innovation.
The second is social inclusion, ensuring that farmers, women, youth and marginalised sections are integrated into the mainstream of development.
The third is self-reliance, enabling India to move forward confidently at the global level in sectors such as education, healthcare, technology and defence.
The balanced integration of these three pillars, he said, forms a strong foundation for a developed India.
Bio-Pharma Strength to Empower India
Dr. Dhasmana noted that the emphasis on biopharma, vaccines, medical research and pharmaceutical innovation in Budget 2026 is a significant step towards positioning India as a global healthcare solution provider. Increased investment in the biopharma sector will strengthen research-based institutions, medical universities and the healthcare industry. This initiative will further reinforce India’s self-reliant healthcare system and strengthen its identity as the “Pharmacy of the World.”
Proposal for Five Regional Medical Hubs: A Visionary Step
Calling it a historic and forward-looking decision, Dr. Dhasmana welcomed the proposal to develop five regional medical hubs across the country. These hubs will integrate advanced treatment facilities, super-specialty services, medical research and high-quality medical education.
He said this initiative will reduce the burden on major cities while ensuring that patients in remote and rural areas have access to world-class healthcare closer to home. It will also promote medical tourism and generate large-scale employment opportunities for doctors, nurses and paramedical professionals.
Expansion of AVGC Sector
Dr. Dhasmana said that the focus on Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) in Budget 2026 will open new avenues of future employment for youth. The AVGC sector represents a strong convergence of creativity, technology and the digital economy.
With government support for skill development, digital infrastructure and start-ups, India can emerge as a global AVGC hub, strengthening both Make in India and Digital India initiatives.
Congratulations to the Finance Minister on a Historic Achievement
Congratulating Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Dr. Dhasmana said that presenting the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time is not only a historic achievement but also a symbol of continuity, stability and strong leadership in policy-making.
He particularly appreciated the priority given to healthcare and education, stating that investment in quality healthcare services and higher education will strengthen the country’s human capital—the cornerstone of a developed India.
Strengthening a Healthy India
Dr. Dhasmana described the decision to make medicines for serious illnesses such as cancer more affordable as highly commendable and people-centric. Exemptions in customs duty and tax reductions on certain life-saving cancer drugs will significantly reduce treatment costs, providing major relief to patients. This step reflects the government’s sensitive healthcare policy and its vision of making treatment accessible to all.
Boost to Research and Innovation
He highlighted that SRHU’s medical, nursing, pharmacy, biosciences, yoga, engineering and management colleges, along with Himalayan Hospital, are contributing significantly to strengthening the nation’s healthcare and education ecosystem. With Budget 2026 focusing on healthcare infrastructure, medical research and innovation, such institutions will gain further opportunities to expand their impact, directly benefiting society.
New Opportunities for Employment Generation
Dr. Dhasmana stated that the university’s Rural Development Department is actively engaged in rural development, health awareness and livelihood generation across various regions of the country. Additionally, the establishment of a dedicated department to promote start-ups and entrepreneurship is encouraging youth towards innovation and self-employment.
With special emphasis on start-ups, innovation and entrepreneurship in Budget 2026, new employment-generation opportunities for youth will be created.
A Strong Foundation for India’s Bright Future
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Vijay Dhasmana said that Budget 2026 has been crafted with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat at its core. It will bring positive and far-reaching changes across sectors such as education, healthcare, industry, rural development and innovation, laying a strong foundation for the nation’s bright future.
