Dharwad: Union Budget 2026 paves way for achieving vision of Developed India, say experts

Experts who took part in a seminar on ‘Union Budget 2026’ at Karnatak University (KUD) in Dharwad on February 10 stated that the Union Budget presents a clear approach towards achieving the vision of “Developed India” by 2047.

In the seminar, hosted by the Department of Economics of KUD in collaboration with the Canara Bank Chair and Economics Research Forum, experts analysed key aspects of the Budget, including infrastructure development, digital economy initiatives, and their impact on the public.

Chartered Accountant N.A. Charantimath highlighted that the Budget will be highly supportive in realising the goal of a Developed India. The services and manufacturing sectors contribute around 75% to the overall growth of the country, whereas the agriculture sector contributes around 15-20%, he added.

On agricultural growth, he said that the “Land to Lab” approach is facilitating agricultural research, thereby increasing productivity in the sector. A proposal to establish five university cluster hubs across the country is aimed at setting up specialised universities through cooperation between the Union and State governments, he noted.

Vinod Annigeri, former director of Centre for Multi-disciplinary Development Research, said that institutions like NITI Aayog and the Finance Commission played a significant role in shaping the Budget

H.H. Bharadi, professor of economics at KUD, said that the present Budget includes several measures to promote the agriculture sector. Though the current agricultural growth rate stands at 4.5%, a target of 7% growth has been set, creating an opportunity for capital investment in agriculture, he noted, adding that the Budget supports the transition from traditional to modern agriculture.

B.H. Nagoor, Head of the Department of Economics, said that the Budget will help maintain overall growth stability. He said that it includes key elements supportive of a Developed India, such as digital transformation, skill development for youth, tax reforms, labour and land reforms, and measures to compete at the global level.

Faculty members, including Manoj Dolli, Mugadoor, Sachin Kurade, research scholars, and students were present.