Budget 2026–27 Charts AI-Driven, Tech-Led Reforms for India’s Next 25 Years: Jitendra Singh

Concluding the interaction, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Budget reflects a mission-oriented approach, where research, manufacturing and deployment progress together.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday said the Union Budget 2026–27 lays down a bold, technology-driven roadmap for India’s future, anchored in AI-integrated structural reforms and designed to shape national development over the next quarter century.

Addressing the media during a post-Budget interaction organised by the Ministry of Science & Technology, the Minister said the Budget reflects a clear, sequential vision in which structural reforms are powered by cutting-edge technologies — with artificial intelligence emerging as a central driver.

“This Budget may take time to be fully appreciated, but it is inherently futuristic. It places responsibility on informed stakeholders, including the media, to help citizens understand its long-term benefits,” Dr Jitendra Singh said.

Long-term relief for the middle class through healthcare innovation

Responding to concerns about middle-class benefits, the Minister said the Budget’s real impact lies not in short-term income calculations, but in long-term relief from rising healthcare and living costs. Large investments in biopharma, diagnostics, vaccines and gene-based therapies will substantially reduce the financial burden of chronic diseases.

He noted that India currently has 11–12 crore diabetics, nearly 14 crore pre-diabetics, and a rapidly rising cancer burden that could reach two million cases annually by 2030. Affordable medicines and diagnostics, backed by domestic biomanufacturing, will offer critical economic and social relief, particularly for the middle class and vulnerable groups.

Biopharma Shakti to power next industrial revolution

Highlighting the ₹10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti initiative, Dr Jitendra Singh said India has already emerged as a global bio-manufacturing hub and a leading bio-economy in the Indo-Pacific region. The new investment will expand capabilities in biologics, biosimilars, vaccines, medical devices and gene-based technologies.

He described biotechnology as the next major industrial driver, comparable to IT in earlier decades, adding that the coming industrial revolution will be a bio-revolution encompassing recycling, regeneration, circular economy models and advanced life sciences.

Focus on mental health, traditional medicine and nuclear energy

The Minister said the Budget addresses long-neglected areas such as non-communicable diseases and mental health, announcing new super-speciality academic and clinical mental health institutes in North India to ensure equitable access to care.

He also welcomed plans to establish new institutes of Ayurveda and pharmaceutical education, strengthening traditional medicine while integrating it with modern research and healthcare delivery.

On energy, Dr Jitendra Singh said the extension of customs duty exemptions on imported nuclear power components until 2035 will improve project efficiency and attract credible domestic and international investment, in line with reforms expanding private participation in the nuclear sector.

Critical minerals, geospatial mission and clean energy push

The Minister highlighted initiatives on rare earth corridors and critical minerals, which will support clean energy, electronics manufacturing and strategic industries while reducing import dependence.

Calling the National Geospatial Mission a foundational reform, he said it will play a decisive role in urban planning, infrastructure design and land management, especially amid rapid rural-to-urban migration. Implemented through PM Gati Shakti, the mission will leverage satellites, drones and advanced mapping tools for evidence-based planning.

He also underscored the ₹20,000 crore allocation for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a key step towards industrial decarbonisation, circular economy practices and environmental sustainability. Structured deployment of AI in agriculture will ensure productivity gains while safeguarding farmers from unintended risks.

Science leaders outline Budget-linked initiatives

Secretary, Department of Science & Technology Prof. Abhay Karandikar said the Budget places strong emphasis on science and innovation, announcing two mega R&D facilities — a 30-metre National Large Optical Telescope and a National Large Solar Telescope near Pangong Lake — which will enhance global scientific collaboration.

Secretary, Department of Biotechnology Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale said Biopharma Shakti builds on the National Biopharma Mission and will accelerate translation of research into manufacturing through stronger industry-academia partnerships and clinical trial networks.

Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr M. Ravichandran outlined Blue Economy initiatives covering national waterways, coastal tourism, offshore fisheries and sustainable shipping.

Director General, CSIR Dr N. Kalaiselvi said CSIR will play a central role in CCUS, semiconductors, critical minerals, rare earth magnets, clean energy and advanced manufacturing, with CSIR labs designated as centres of excellence for critical metals.

Mission-oriented, inclusive growth

Concluding the interaction, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Budget reflects a mission-oriented approach, where research, manufacturing and deployment progress together.

“Science-led reforms announced in this Budget show that India is ready to compete in technology-intensive global sectors, while ensuring growth remains inclusive, sustainable and citizen-centric,” he said.