PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2026-27, presented on February 1, delivers a powerful thrust to ‘Swadeshi’ products and industries, reinforcing Atmanirbhar Bharat for long-term, self-reliant growth.

Swadeshi Research Institute in collaboration with Swadeshi Jagaran Manch organised a special session on Union Budget 2026-27 on 12th February 2026 at National Library Kolkata. The special session was addressed by Shri Dhanpat Ram Agarwal economist and of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch , Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh Governor of Haryana , Dr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri noted economist.

The landmark Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative strengthens khadi, handloom and handicrafts with global market linkages, branding, skilling and quality upgrades. The National Fibre Scheme promotes complete self-reliance in natural fibres such as silk, wool and jute, plus man-made and new-age fibres. A dedicated ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund will nurture ‘Champion SMEs’, while the Self-Reliant India Fund receives an additional ₹2,000 crore to support micro enterprises.

Strategic manufacturing in semiconductors, biopharma, electronics, defence and textiles receives fresh indigenisation incentives, slashing critical import dependence. Capital expenditure surges to ₹12.2 lakh crore, fiscal deficit is pegged at 4.3% of GDP, and a clear roadmap targets debt-to-GDP at 50% by 2030.

The Yuva Shakti-driven budget is set to deliver sustained 7%+ GDP growth, robust infrastructure and energy security, paving the way for a truly Viksit Bharat.