PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: The North East India Regional Council of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has lauded the Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026, as a growth-oriented, inclusive, and forward-thinking blueprint. The budget adopts the Ashtalakshmi model, positioning the region as a multi-dimensional economic hub through investments in connectivity, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and industry.
ICC North East Sub Committee Chairman Mahesh Saharia highlighted increased capital spending, tourism promotion, enhanced trade, agricultural reforms, and MSME support. He welcomed the new scheme for Buddhist circuits in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura, focusing on monastery conservation, pilgrimage centres, and amenities to boost year-round tourism.
Saharia also praised the Siliguri-Varanasi high-speed rail link and deployment of 4,000 electric buses for sustainable mobility. A 47% hike in DoNER allocation to Rs 5,915 crore will strengthen infrastructure and economic capacity. Under Purvodaya, emphasis on industrial and rural growth, including special packages for Autonomous Councils, promises inclusive development.
Assam and Meghalaya ICC Chairman Sarat Kumar Jain noted the budget’s focus on tourism, healthcare, education, and skilling, including upgrading Tezpur’s mental health institute. ICC commits to collaborating with governments for effective implementation, optimistic about driving sustainable growth across the North East.