Union Budget evokes contrasting reactions in Puducherry
The Hindu
The Union Budget 2026-27 sparks debate in Puducherry, with contrasting views from Chief Minister Rangasamy and CPI leader A.M. Saleem.
The Union Budget 2026-27 presented in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman evoked contrasting reactions with the Chief Minister N. Rangasamy terming it “progressive and development-oriented”, while from the Opposition ranks, the CPI dubbed it as a pro-corporate exercise that dodged any commitment to alleviate poverty, assist agriculture or help MSMEs hit hard by punitive US tariffs.
In a press statement, the Chief Minister hailed the Budget for its significant focus “on the country’s economic growth, employment, the progress of women and youth, and agricultural and industrial development”.
The “budget is designed to fulfill the expectations and aspirations of all sections of society and to give concrete shape to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee of creating a developed India”, he said.
The Chief Minister noted that the reforms undertaken in sectors including the economy, infrastructure, education, health, technology, and women’s empowerment lay a strong foundation for India’s future growth. The increase in capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore is also noteworthy. The allocations for urban-based development, dedicated freight corridor connecting the eastern and western parts of the country, and the additional funding for coastal shipping were noteworthy, Mr. Rangasamy said.
He also hailed the announcement to establish Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala as “a far-sighted initiative that will reduce India’s import dependence on critical mineral resources”.
The ₹10,000 crore outlay for a Bio-Pharma Power Project, enhanced allocation of an estimated ₹40,000 crore for semiconductor and electronics technology development, along with tax exemptions for IT data centers and companies until 2047 laid a strong foundation to transform India into a global technology hub, the Chief Minister said.
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