PHDCCI's Budget 2026 Plea: Digital Infra, Green Push
Overview
Industry body PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) urged for a strong focus on digital infrastructure, clean energy, agriculture, health, and education in its Budget 2026 recommendations. The proposals emphasize increased investment in data centers, broadband, and digital skilling to drive services-led growth and job creation, while also calling for improved rural infrastructure and human capital development to ensure sustained economic expansion and employment.
Digital Infrastructure Push
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) has formally submitted its pre-budget recommendations for 2026-27, urging the government to prioritize significant investments in digital infrastructure. The industry body highlighted digital infrastructure as a fundamental driver of the modern economy. PHDCCI advocates for increased capital allocation towards broadband connectivity, data centers, and digital skilling initiatives. This push is expected to bolster services-led expansion and create new job opportunities.
Digital public infrastructure, it noted, reduces barriers for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and boosts productivity across various industries, offering substantial economic spillovers with relatively low capital outlay. Strengthening last-mile connectivity and workforce readiness is crucial for capitalizing on emerging service export markets and technology-driven growth trajectories.
Clean Energy Transition
PHDCCI also stressed the immediate need for a robust transition to cleaner energy sources, positioning it as central to both economic and strategic planning. Recommendations include modernizing the grid, enhancing renewable energy integration, expanding EV charging infrastructure, and fostering clean-tech manufacturing. These measures are intended to attract substantial private sector capital into the green economy.
Duty rationalization on essential minerals and clean-tech inputs could further bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities. Aligning fiscal policy with long-term sustainability goals will be key for India's clean energy transition in Budget 2026-27.
Agriculture and Rural Development
For sustainable rural growth, PHDCCI emphasized productivity enhancements and strategic infrastructure investments over short-term relief. Key proposals include increased spending on irrigation, advanced water management systems, cold storage facilities, and agro-processing units. These investments aim to elevate farm productivity, minimize post-harvest losses, and consequently improve rural incomes.
Better rural infrastructure also fortifies supply chain connections, benefiting farmers, processors, and markets alike by enhancing price realization and export potential. A budgetary focus on agriculture infrastructure would signal a shift toward long-term rural income diversification and security.
Human Capital Investment
Prioritizing capital spending in health and education was also a significant point. PHDCCI asserts that a nation's demographic advantage is directly linked to sustained investment in its human capital. The chamber called for greater investment in hospitals, advanced skilling centers, and higher education research facilities.
Addressing the prevalent skill mismatches across industries, the body designated investment in vocational and technical training as a top priority to augment capacity, quality, and accessibility in the workforce.
