Delhi NCR

Budget 2026 evokes mixed response from Delhi traders

Published by
PTI

The Union Budget 2026-27 drew mixed responses from trader organisations here, with some calling it visionary and inclusive, while others flagged missed opportunities and concerns for key sectors.

BJP MP and Secretary General of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Praveen Khandelwal, described the budget as “an excellent blend of visionary thinking, pragmatic policies and economic empowerment”, which would push India firmly towards the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.

He said linking budget provisions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swadeshi call would help boost exports and open new global markets.

Emphasising on the need to focus on MSMEs, he said, “MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy. The measures announced for the MSME sector in this budget will play a vital role in employment generation, promoting entrepreneurship and making Indian products globally competitive.”

However, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) called the budget a mixed bag. CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said the budget is “mixture of happiness & sadness”, observing that “no announcement regarding income tax slab” was made.

Welcoming the proposed Rs 10,000 crore fund for MSMEs, Goyal said it was a good step but there was nothing special for the manufacturing sector to boost India’s trade and industries.

He expressed concern over higher Securities Transaction Tax, saying this was not a good step for 15 crore Indians investing in the stock market.

Goyal said Delhi’s business community is feeling overlooked as “not a single announcement has been made for the business and industries of Delhi while the traders of Delhi pay billions of rupees of GST and income tax.”

On the agriculture front, the trader associations said that the announcements in the budget will help farmers and the MSME industries grow.

Manoj Goyal, National President Agriprenuer Ukranti federation said dedicated research programmes for farmers will likely result in increased income and reduced risk for them.

Ashish Grover, president Delhi Drug Traders Association said that much needed relief was provided in the budget for medicine prices. “Prices of high-end medicines, whether generic or patented for cancer patients, have been reduced, it will benefit all,” Grover said.

Puneet Singhal, president, Computer Mobile Dealers Association (CMDA) Delhi said the overall budget is positive and will lead to growth. “ There are a lot of growth potential for IT services, incentives provided for establishing cloud services is a welcome move and may result in job opportunities.”

Read More: African migrants in Delhi live in fear amid police crackdowns and everyday prejudice

PTI

Published by
PTI

Recent Posts

Lawyer thrashed with sticks in road rage incident involving Thar in Delhi

The complainant, a Delhi HC lawyer, told police that the assault followed a brief altercation…

February 1, 2026

‘If the work doesn’t challenge me, I walk away’, says Gullak actor Jameel Khan

Over 25 years across theatre, cinema and streaming — the Gullak actor on patience, destiny,…

February 1, 2026

NGT asks Delhi govt, others to implement recommendation to preserve native fish species in Yamuna

The NGT took suo-motu cognisance of a news report citing a survey by ICAR- CIFRI…

February 1, 2026

Two more held for blackmailing traffic cops with video clips in Delhi

A total of 10 have been arrested for extorting money from traffic police personnel and…

February 1, 2026

Centre moves Delhi HC against order permitting posthumous reproduction

During the hearing, the Centre's counsel said the Delhi court's decision was in the teeth…

February 1, 2026

2 devotees killed in bus ramming on Delhi-Dehradun highway in Meerut

The incident occurred around 7.30 am near Shiv Dhaba in Dadri village under the Daurala…

February 1, 2026