ASSOCHAM survey shows firms want Budget 2026 to cut costs and boost ‘Make in India’ to aid manufacturing and MSME growth.
A comprehensive study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has highlighted that the upcoming Union Budget must prioritise a robust expansion of home-grown manufacturing. Industry leaders have identified the steep pricing of energy and haulage as the most substantial obstacles to national industrial progress. To facilitate a smoother flow of commodities, there is an urgent appeal for the government to concentrate on constructing a more proficient domestic logistics framework.
The report, published on 15 January 2026, indicates a consensus among professionals that current state initiatives require more effective implementation to provide genuine advantages to the manufacturing sector. Although a positive outlook persists, stakeholders maintain that the fiscal statement due on 01 February 2026 must tackle the high overheads linked to the warehousing and transport of base materials.
To bolster the industrial landscape, the sector has outlined several vital requirements:
- Speeding up the creation of dedicated freight corridors and industrial zones to shorten delivery schedules.
- Promoting the adoption of automated systems and advanced analytics to ensure greater transparency across the entire distribution network.
- Ensuring that smaller enterprises, which form the backbone of the industrial sector, have more straightforward access to capital.
The research concludes that streamlining bureaucratic protocols and lowering the expenditure required to transport goods nationwide are vital components for the triumph of the “Make in India” initiative. By removing these functional barriers, the industry aims to draw further investment and strengthen its standing within the international market.
SOURCE – ANI
