Itanagar, Feb 7: Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita on Saturday said that the Union Budget 2026-27 marks an important milestone in India’s development journey, combining fiscal responsibility with a forward-looking vision for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP State Office here, Margherita highlighted the key features, developmental priorities, and long-term vision of the Union Budget 2026-27. Extending greetings, he expressed his privilege to be in Arunachal Pradesh, popularly known as the Land of the Rising Sun.
He acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a progressive and growth-oriented Budget that further strengthens India’s position as one of the fastest-growing global economies.
Highlighting major initiatives, the Union Minister said the Budget places renewed focus on sports development through the Khelo India Mission, integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars to boost fisheries, and a loan-linked capital subsidy scheme for establishing private veterinary institutions to strengthen rural livelihoods. To promote women entrepreneurship, SHE Marts will be set up as community-owned retail outlets, supported by a Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund.
Special emphasis has been laid on skill development under the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and the creation of City Economic Regions, with an allocation of Rs 5,000 crore per region over five years. The Budget also proposes seven high-speed rail corridors as environmentally sustainable growth connectors.
Focusing on the North Eastern Region, Margherita said the Budget provides for development of Buddhist circuits across Arunachal Pradesh and other Northeastern states, promotion of agarwood and high-value nut cultivation, upgradation of the National Mental Health Institute, Tezpur, and a pilot programme to train 10,000 tourist guides across 20 iconic destinations.
For Arunachal Pradesh, he said Rs 20,666 crore has been allocated as tax devolution and Rs 43,197 crore as grant-in-aid, along with special assistance for capital expenditure through interest-free loans. Since 2020-21, Rs 7,654 crore has been released to the state under capital expenditure support schemes.
Highlighting sectoral development, he said Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as a national hub for clean hydropower, with installed capacity exceeding 1,500 MW and several mega projects underway.
Infrastructure connectivity has improved significantly with over 1,850 km of National Highways built since 2014, expansion of railway infrastructure, and enhanced air connectivity under the UDAN scheme.
As Minister of State for Textiles, Margherita said Rs 5,279 crore has been allocated to the Ministry of Textiles, with new initiatives aimed at strengthening fibres, skilling, handloom, handicrafts, sustainable textiles, and export growth.
He reiterated that the Union Budget 2026-27 reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusive development, regional empowerment, and a Viksit Bharat by 2047, with Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast playing a pivotal role in the nation’s growth journey.