Budget 2026-27 Must Ignite Growth and Self-Reliance to Counter Global Headwinds: S. K. Behera

JAMSHEDPUR | January 29, 2026 – As the nation prepares for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, Mr. S. K. Behera, Vice Chairman of RSB Global and Former Chairman of CII Eastern Zone, has called for “bold and catalytic measures” to sustain India’s trajectory as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
In a pre-budget media statement, Mr. Behera emphasized that amid a “VUCA” (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) world—marked by shifting global trade tariffs and geopolitical headwinds—India’s push for Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance) under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision requires a strategic fiscal roadmap.
Strengthening the Industrial Core
Mr. Behera highlighted the urgent need to support the manufacturing sector, particularly the Automotive and EV segments. “To deepen indigenization and reduce import reliance, we seek fiscal incentives and a recalibration of the PLI schemes for EVs and auto components,” he stated. He further stressed the importance of R&D tax breaks to position India as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Infrastructure and Digital Surge
Aligning with industry recommendations, Mr. Behera advocated for a revamped Rs 150 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) 2.0. “Speedy execution and robust dispute resolution are critical to drawing private capital into shovel-ready projects,” he noted.
He also pushed for the creation of 10 Centres of Advanced Learning in AI, robotics, and clean energy, alongside a Rs 1,000-crore Digitization Fund to promote paperless governance. “Data centers should be treated as ‘sovereign territory’ to ensure Atmanirbhar AI,” Behera added, echoing calls for a dedicated PLI for indigenous compute platforms.
Sectoral Reforms and Logistics
Addressing the logistics crisis, the RSB Global Vice Chairman proposed:

• Logistics Efficiency: 30-40% subsidies for multimodal parks and green freight zones.
• Defence: Higher allocations for indigenous procurement with an aim for Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2030.
• Real Estate: Reviving Section 80-IBA tax holidays and updating the definition of affordable housing to boost slim margins.
  A Vision for Equity
  Beyond industry, Mr. Behera underscored the importance of social pillars. “The budget must channel public funds into healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. As proposed by academic leaders, we need an emphasis on digital infrastructure and equity for underprivileged students to build globally competitive leaders,” he said.
  “Budget 2026-27 represents a vital opportunity to solidify India’s economic resilience. It must balance growth imperatives with fiscal prudence to ensure a prosperous and self-reliant Viksit Bharat,” Mr. Behera concluded.