Budget 2026 lays AI-led roadmap for India’s future: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, Feb 2: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday said the Union Budget 2026–27 is not merely a one-year fiscal plan but a generational roadmap, driven by AI-integrated, technology-led structural reforms to shape India’s future over the next 25 years. Addressing a post-Budget media interaction in New Delhi, the Minister said the Budget reflects a clear, forward-looking vision in which structural reforms and cutting-edge technologies reinforce each other, making it inherently futuristic. He added that its full impact would be realised over time, particularly in easing long-term healthcare and living costs for the middle class. Highlighting investments in biopharma, diagnostics, vaccines and gene-based therapies, Dr Jitendra Singh said these would reduce the financial burden of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. He pointed to the Rs 10,000-crore Biopharma Shakti initiative, noting that it would further strengthen India’s position as a global bio-manufacturing hub.
The Minister said biotechnology would drive the next industrial revolution, similar to the role played by IT in earlier decades. He also highlighted measures for mental health, new institutes of Ayurveda and pharmaceutical education, and continued customs duty exemptions for nuclear power plant components to attract investment. Dr Jitendra Singh said initiatives on critical minerals, rare earth corridors, carbon capture (CCUS) and the National Geospatial Mission would support clean energy, infrastructure planning and strategic industries, while reducing import dependence.
Senior officials said the Budget places strong emphasis on science and innovation, announcing mega research facilities, including a 30-metre National Large Optical Telescope and a National Large Solar Telescope, to boost India’s global scientific standing. Concluding, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Budget adopts a mission-oriented approach, ensuring technology-driven growth that is inclusive, sustainable and citizen-centric.
