” Reviving 2,000 textile clusters and introducing a ₹10,000 crore MSME growth fund is a big moment for India’s textile story. As the founder of a next-gen activewear brand, I see this as an opportunity to empower the backbone of our industry, our MSMEs, our manufacturers, and the skilled artisans who make world-class products possible. Mega textile parks with modern infrastructure can truly change the game by enabling scale, innovation, and sustainable production. If implemented well, this can help Indian brands like RYZ compete globally while proudly building in India, for the world. “ Rachit Soota , Founder at RYZ
“The government’s proposal to revive 2,000 industry clusters, create a ₹10,000 crore MSME growth fund, and establish mega textile parks is a strong signal of long-term commitment to India’s manufacturing backbone. These measures will not only strengthen MSMEs but also modernise the textile and garment ecosystem, enabling scale, innovation, and global competitiveness. At IVYN, we strongly believe that Indian textiles and garments are poised to become a dominant global force over the next decade. With supportive policies, infrastructure-led growth, and increasing foreign alignments, the sector is well-positioned to excel on the world stage.” Nitin Jain, Founder at IVYN
” As a founder building from Jamshedpur ( Tier 2 City ), I see Budget 2026 as a decisive turning point in India’s startup narrative, one where the momentum is finally shifting from metro-centric hubs to grassroots innovation. By scaling the GENESIS programme and reinforcing the Fund of Funds and Seed Fund schemes, the government is tackling the very hurdles we face outside the major metros: access to patient capital, high-level mentorship, and robust infrastructure. The specific focus on first-time entrepreneurs, particularly women and SC/ST founders, signals a powerful intent to democratize entrepreneurship rather than leaving it to a privileged few. For those of us operating in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, measures like enhanced credit guarantees, extended tax holidays, and the rise of innovation universities are game-changers. They significantly lower the risk for early-stage ventures and provide the cash-flow visibility essential for scaling. Collectively, these aren’t just headline announcements; they lay the groundwork for a more inclusive, resilient, and deeptech-driven ecosystem where innovation is no longer a prisoner of geography. “
Adeeb Jamal, Founder at ARAF
“The positive market response, with the Nifty Pharma and BSE Healthcare Index rising by 1.7 – 2%, reflects strong confidence in the government’s vision of positioning India as a global bio-pharma development hub. Beyond capital markets, the proposal to train 1.5 lakh caregivers is a critical step toward strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots level. A skilled caregiver workforce is essential not only to address the growing burden of chronic and age-related conditions but also to provide much-needed support for mental health care, where early intervention, empathy, and continuity of care are crucial. Together, these measures signal a balanced approach that combines innovation, investment, human capital development, and mental well-being, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reinforcing the long-term resilience of India’s healthcare ecosystem.” Sakshi Shah, Founder, Goodlives
Mr. Abhinav Saxena, Founding Partner at Saxenas And Kumar Law Chambers LLP quoted “The Union Budget 2026 is a definitive step towards de-clogging India’s legal and regulatory arteries. We specifically welcome the proposal to implement a comprehensive New Income Tax Act to replace the six-decade-old law. For the legal fraternity and our corporate clients, this simplification is a long-awaited reform that will drastically reduce interpretation disputes and compliance friction. Furthermore, the focus on digitizing NCLT tribunals and the introduction of a Customs Amnesty Scheme signal a clear shift towards a Trust-Based governance model. By smoothing out the insolvency process and reducing legacy tax litigation, the Government is allowing firms to focus on value creation rather than courtroom battles. For startups and MSMEs, this Ease of Doing Business is the most valuable capital of all.”
“We welcome the Union Budget 2026 as a Relief Budget for the common man. At Expert Panel, we believe the first step to becoming debt-free is having more disposable income, and the Finance Minister’s decision to make income up to ₹12 Lakh tax-free (under the new regime) is a direct lifeline for salaried families. This extra liquidity will empower thousands of distressed borrowers to regularize their EMIs and regain their financial dignity. Furthermore, the introduction of Credit Cards with a ₹5 Lakh limit for Micro Enterprises and the Credit Guarantee cover of ₹20 Crore are masterstrokes against the menace of predatory lending. By ensuring easy access to formal credit for small businesses and first-time entrepreneurs, the Government has built a safety net that will prevent thousands from falling into a debt trap. This Budget truly lays the foundation for a financially stable and Viksit Bharat”
– Anurag Mehra, Director of Expert Panel
Mr. Rohit Mahajan, Founder and Managing Partner, plutos ONE
The Union Budget 2026 is a decisive step in India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, with a strong, execution-led focus on SMEs, MSMEs, skill development, and travel-driven demand creation. The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has clearly shifted the narrative from short-term relief to long-term competitiveness and scale. The announcement of a ₹10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund is a landmark move, aimed at building tariff-resilient, export-ready enterprises rather than subsidy-dependent businesses. This will enable high-potential MSMEs to invest in technology, productivity enhancement, and global market access—key pillars for India’s manufacturing and export ambitions. Equally transformative is the integration of GeM with TReDS and the move to make TReDS receivables tradable through asset-backed securities. This structural reform directly addresses the long-standing working capital challenges of MSMEs by converting invoices and receivables into bankable, market-linked assets, thereby lowering the cost of capital and improving liquidity. In this context, Plutos ONE is actively working with Bharat Connect to enable Bharat Connect for Business, focused on invoice-based lending solutions for MSMEs and SMEs. By leveraging digital rails and receivables-based financing, such initiatives align seamlessly with the Budget’s vision of formalisation, credit deepening, and sustainable growth. Overall, Budget 2026 lays a strong foundation for self-reliance, exports, and inclusive economic expansion
