Unlock India's Growth! Experts Tell FM Sitharaman: Boost Private Investment & Simplify Customs in Budget 2026-27!

Economists have urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to prioritize stimulating private investment and simplifying customs procedures in the upcoming Union Budget for 2026-27. During a pre-Budget consultation, top experts from academia and global financial institutions stressed that structural reforms are essential for India's sustained growth. They advised the government to focus on creating a stable and predictable environment that encourages businesses to invest.

The need for a simplified customs regime, involving digitizing documentation and reducing clearance times, was also highlighted to enhance trade efficiency and competitiveness. Participants suggested that reforms beyond taxation, such as streamlining regulatory frameworks and improving governance, are crucial for maintaining economic momentum. While supporting fiscal consolidation, economists recommended continuing capital expenditure to bolster private investment.

Impact Rating: 8/10 If these recommendations are adopted, they could significantly boost investor confidence, attract long-term capital, and improve India's ease of doing business. Simplified customs could lead to lower transaction costs for exporters and manufacturers, enhancing their global competitiveness. A focus on structural reforms and private investment revival may foster higher economic growth and create more opportunities for Indian businesses and investors.

Difficult terms * **Private Investment:** Money invested by individuals or companies into businesses, rather than by the government. * **Customs Procedures:** The official rules and steps involved in moving goods into or out of a country. * **Structural Reforms:** Fundamental changes to the way an economy is organized or managed, aimed at long-term improvements. * **Fiscal Discipline:** Managing government spending and revenue carefully to avoid excessive debt. * **Fiscal Deficit:** The difference between government spending and its revenue, indicating how much the government needs to borrow. * **Capital Expenditure:** Spending by the government on assets that will benefit the country for a long time, like infrastructure. * **Trade Efficiency:** How quickly and cost-effectively goods can be moved across borders.