
The Union Budget 2026 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sets a strong foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Southern Region said on Sunday.
In a statement, CII said the Budget articulates a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, aimed at strengthening India’s economic foundations through targeted support for manufacturing, MSMEs, agriculture and skill development. It welcomed the balanced approach, noting that it would support employment generation, enterprise growth and inclusive development in the southern region.
Thomas John Muthoot, Chairman, CII Southern Region and Chairman and Managing Director, Muthoot FinCorp Ltd, described the Budget as a balanced and forward-looking roadmap for India’s long-term economic growth.
Commenting on the proposals, Mr Muthoot said the Budget reinforces key sectors such as manufacturing, MSMEs, agriculture and education, while placing strong emphasis on productivity, infrastructure and export competitiveness. He said these measures would support sustained growth, create jobs and enhance India’s global economic standing, with significant benefits for southern India.
He also highlighted the positive impact on the financial sector, particularly NBFCs, noting that the focus on financial inclusion, improved credit access and technology-driven reforms would help NBFCs reach deeper sections of the population.

