Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan has said that the Union Budget 2026-27 focuses on increasing the country’s GDP, enhancing quality production, strengthening infrastructure, uplifting the poor and marginalised, empowering youth, and promoting women-led development. 

 

Addressing a press conference in Puducherry, he said that the Budget places youth at its core and aims to harness their contribution in taking the nation to the next level of growth.

 

Highlighting the benefits of the Budget, the Minister said the Bio-Pharma Shakti scheme with an allocation of 10,000 crore rupees, will benefit Puducherry, which is known for large-scale production of generic medicines. 

 

Dr. Murugan said initiatives such as Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme will also benefit the Union Territory by generating employment and creating a favourable industrial ecosystem.

 

Referring to coastal and maritime development, the Minister said the Budget gives priority to ports, logistics, and the blue economy through the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme.

 

He said the scheme will strengthen coastal shipping, integrate ports with rail and road connectivity, promote shipbuilding, and enhance export potential in coastal regions, including Puducherry. 

 

Touching upon fisheries, Dr. Murugan said the Budget provides focused support for marine and inland fisheries through infrastructure development and livelihood support for fishermen.

 

The Minister also said that the Budget promotes skill development in emerging sectors such as caregiving, hospitality, tourism, and the AVGC sector, creating global employment opportunities for youth.  

 

He added that the National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid proposed in the Budget will digitally integrate heritage sites, including temples in Puducherry and Karaikal.