Budget Proposals Are Growth-Centric: CII AP
will strengthen agri, MSMEs, startups, healthcare, and infra sectors
Neeraj Sarda, Past Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh Dr. V. Muralikrishna, Chairman, CII AP, J. Srinivas Raju, Past Chairman, CII Visakhapatnam and Anil Bejawada, Convenor, Taxation & Finance Panel, CII Visakhapatnam during an interaction with the media in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has described the Union Budget tabled in Parliament as growth-centric. At a discussion after livestreaming the budget presentation, CII-Andhra Pradesh chairman Dr V Muralikrishna commended the Union Budget 2025-26 as a progressive and growth-driven roadmap strengthening agriculture, MSMEs, startups, healthcare, and infrastructure. The increase in the income tax exemption limit to Rs.12 lakh is a significant relief for the middle class, boosting savings and increasing disposable income supporting the government’s objective of uplifting household sentiments & spending power of India’s rising middle class.
He highlighted that the exemption of basic customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs, including those for cancer and rare diseases, will reduce the cost of treatment, making essential healthcare more accessible & the establishment of 200 daycare cancer centers in district hospitals will decentralize cancer care and reduce the burden on major hospitals. The government’s initiative to add 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years is a critical step in addressing India’s doctor-to-population ratio, ensuring a stronger healthcare workforce.
Past chairman of CII AP chapter Neeraj Sarda emphasised the strategic importance of shipbuilding, supported by the Rs.25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund and incentives for large ships, making it a key job creator. The government’s focus on mining and recovery of critical minerals, including duty exemptions on lithium-ion batteries and cobalt, will reduce import dependency and support industries like electronics and defence. Rs.20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission for Small Modular Reactors, along with EV and green energy investments, will drive capital expenditure and accelerate India’s clean energy transition, strengthening industrial growth and self-reliance
Former zonal chairman of CII J. Srinivas Raju welcomed the government's strong focus on deep technology and innovation, which will drive India's next phase of industrial and technological growth. He emphasised that the expansion of nuclear energy capacity will enhance energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.
