Budget Expectations 2026 Live: Unions Call for Universal MSP, Step-Up in Agricultural Investment

"The Indian solar industry is at the threshold of a quantum leap from 135 GW capacity in 2025 to over 300 GW by 2030, making it the single largest contributor to India's ambitious 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target. We strongly advocate for an enhanced PLI scheme specifically for polysilicon, ingot, and wafer manufacturing," Prashant Mathur, chief executive officer, Saatvik Green Energy Limited, said.

Beyond PLI support, the industry has sought accelerated depreciation benefits for solar manufacturing equipment—on par with incentives available to solar projects—to improve capital efficiency and project viability, he added. Proposals also include lower corporate tax rates for solar manufacturers and access to priority sector lending at concessional rates, measures that could enhance competitiveness and attract fresh investment.

“India’s startup ecosystem has made meaningful progress over the past few years. Across deeptech, advanced manufacturing, climate systems and industrial innovation, founders are building with greater technical depth, ambition and global relevance than ever before," Ankit Kedia, founder and lead investor, Capital-A said

Scaling deeptech and manufacturing businesses requires support through long development cycles involving certification, validation, extended pilots and early deployments, especially in sectors where reliability, safety and trust determine adoption. The Union Budget must reinforce this execution ecosystem through shared testing and certification infrastructure, predictable regulatory pathways, and incentives aligned with longer gestation timelines.

“We welcome the government’s continued focus on strengthening financial security for senior citizens, including the tax reforms supporting retirement savings and long-term financial planning," Rajit Mehta, managing director and chief executive officer, Antara Senior Care, said. A key intervention would be expanding insurance coverage to include long-term care provided through care homes and home-based services, which would significantly improve access. Strengthening reverse mortgage norms to allow up to 80% of property value across city tiers could also enhance financial flexibility for seniors.

In addition, exempting senior care services from GST, or taxing them at healthcare rates, would recognise their role in enabling healthy ageing.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27, farmers have once again reiterated their demand to cover all agricultural crops under the minimum support price (MSP). Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) National General Secretary Chaudhary Yudhvir Singh said this has always been a key demand of farmers.

Currently, the government sets MSPs for about 22 crops, including 14 Kharif crops, six Rabi crops, and two commercial crops, to support farmer incomes. Sugarcane is covered under a separate mechanism called the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP).