BJP Intellectual Cell in Chandigarh explains Union Budget’s link to national vision

In an effort to bridge the gap between policy-making and public understanding, the Intellectual Cell of BJP Chandigarh on Friday organised a panel discussion titled “Union Budget 2026: From Economic Policy to National Policy”, highlighting how the latest Union Budget aligns economic reforms with India’s long-term national priorities.

Held at Rajasthan Bhawan, the session was convened by Dr Monica B Sood, Convenor of the Intellectual Cell, BJP Chandigarh, along with the cell’s core team. BJP Chandigarh President Jitender Pal Malhotra attended the event as the chief guest.

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Addressing the media on the sidelines, Dr Sood said the programme was part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s nationwide outreach to demystify the Union Budget for the common citizen. “The objective was to explain key budgetary provisions in simple terms and show how people-centric allocations can generate employment, promote self-reliance and accelerate inclusive economic growth,” she said.

Speakers during the discussion underlined that Union Budget 2026–27 places strong emphasis on technology-driven growth, innovation, employment generation and national self-reliance. Dr Sood observed that global power equations are rapidly evolving, with future competition centred on semiconductors and data rather than traditional energy resources.

She added that artificial intelligence would shape the future of defence, education, agriculture, healthcare and medicine. In line with this vision, the Budget has provided for the establishment of 15,000 advanced technology laboratories across the country to train students in AI, robotics, data science, gaming technologies and quantum computing. Special focus has also been placed on STEM education for girls, along with hostels in every district to ensure equitable access to advanced technical education.

The panel discussion was moderated by Pooja Nayar, Advocate and Chairperson, TiE Women, TiE Chandigarh. The panellists included Dr Dharinder Tayal, academician and entrepreneur; CMA Rakesh Bhalla, financial expert; Naveen Kumar Soni, CA and LLB; and Puneet Verma, President, TiE Chandigarh.

Infrastructure development and connectivity also featured prominently in the discussions. Panellists noted that the proposed seven high-speed rail corridors and the operationalisation of 20 national waterways would significantly reduce logistics costs, improve connectivity for Tier-II and Tier-III cities, and boost trade, tourism and employment. The rise in defence exports under the Make in India initiative and the growing emphasis on defence self-reliance as a driver of GDP growth were also highlighted.

The Budget’s push for start-ups and MSMEs drew particular attention. With an allocation of ₹10,000 crore to strengthen MSMEs and SMEs, the Budget aims to spur youth entrepreneurship and job creation. Dr Sood pointed out that under the Prime Minister’s Start-up Mission, nearly 1.4 lakh start-ups are launched annually, collectively generating substantial employment.

Healthcare reforms were another key focus area. Dr Sood highlighted the removal of import duties on critical life-saving drugs to make essential medicines more affordable. She also referred to the establishment of three AIIMS-level Ayurveda institutions and special funding under the Bio-Shakti Mission to promote domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Responding to queries, Dr Sood said Union Budget 2026–27 should be seen as a long-term roadmap rather than a short-term fiscal exercise, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a global economic powerhouse. She urged citizens to deepen their understanding of finance, technology and taxation, noting that India’s economic progress is increasingly drawing global attention.