Mr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group, said: “The Budget strikes a careful balance between fiscal stability and growth ambition, positioning India on a resilient economic path. For the FMCG sector, the Viksit Bharat agenda emerges as a strong catalyst by aligning demand-side momentum with supply-side enablers. Targeted interventions in agriculture—such as promoting cocoa production, fisheries, and animal husbandry—are expected to enhance rural incomes and consumption.
The expansion of TReDS and improved access to credit will ease working capital constraints for distributors and contract manufacturers, strengthening the overall FMCG ecosystem. On the infrastructure front, significant investments in freight corridors, inland waterways, and Tier II–III city development are likely to reduce logistics costs and improve last-mile connectivity, enabling deeper regional market penetration.
These efficiencies, combined with a focus on domestic manufacturing, chemical parks, and energy security, will help stabilize input costs amid global volatility. The regulatory reforms—particularly the shift from penalty-based to fee-based compliance and the push for digital and data-driven capabilities—will allow businesses to focus more on operational excellence and digital transformation.
Further, the simplification of customs duties and digitization of GST processes will enhance supply chain predictability and export competitiveness. By integrating tourism, wellness, and large-scale skill development, the Budget strengthens the foundational pillars of productivity, fostering a capable workforce and a seamless business environment. Overall, this comprehensive approach reinforces India’s long-term growth trajectory and supports a sustainable consumption-led growth story in the years ahead.”