GITAM University Hosts Pre-Budget Forum on Policy, Finance and Growth in Visakhapatnam
The School of Business at GITAM Deemed to be University in Visakhapatnam recently organized a significant pre-budget session titled "Shaping the Future: The Pre-Budget Forum – Policy, Finance and Growth." This insightful event aimed to deliberate on key economic priorities and policy directions ahead of the upcoming Union budget, fostering an informed dialogue among various stakeholders.
Expert Gathering for Economic Dialogue
The forum successfully brought together a diverse group of participants, including chartered accountants, academicians, economists, policymakers, industry leaders, and students. Their collective discussions centered on crucial themes such as fiscal strategy, inclusive growth, sustainable development, and India's long-term economic trajectory. This collaborative effort highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in shaping effective economic policies.
Key Insights from Academic and Industry Leaders
Professor Raja Phani Pappu, Dean of GITAM Business School, emphasized the challenge policymakers face in balancing growth aspirations with fiscal prudence amidst a rapidly changing global and domestic environment. He identified several critical focus areas for the budget, including:
- Employment generation
- Infrastructure development
- Digital transformation
- Green growth initiatives
- Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
Satish Kumar Arya, CEO of Steel City Securities, outlined expectations for the upcoming budget, anticipating significant allocations for startups, MSMEs, Skill India initiatives, internships, and entrepreneurship. He stressed that strengthening capital markets and boosting investor confidence are vital for ensuring economic resilience in the face of global uncertainties.
Infrastructure and Global Competitiveness Focus
A Ravi Shankar, founder of Elitelogix, highlighted the Union budget's crucial role in strengthening India's logistics and digital infrastructure, describing these as key enablers of sustained economic growth. Meanwhile, Dr. Radha Raghuramapatruni, International Business Area Chair at GITAM School of Business, noted that the budget would play a decisive role in enhancing India's global competitiveness through:
- Export diversification
- Resilient supply chains
- Trade-facilitating infrastructure
She also emphasized the importance of encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), easing cross-border transactions, and aligning with global trade standards to strengthen India's integration into global value chains.
Financial Stability and Sectoral Priorities
Dr. Siddarth Rajendran, a professor in the finance department, pointed out that strengthening capital markets, improving access to credit, and ensuring regulatory stability are essential for sustaining investor confidence. He advocated for a prudent and transparent fiscal framework to support long-term economic resilience and inclusive growth.
From the professional sector, Chartered Accountant Vinay Gandhi Billapati recommended that the Union Budget 2026-27 should prioritize affordable education, skill development, and employability-focused programs. Additionally, N Srinivas, CS and CA at Assurgen Pharma, highlighted the need for the budget to strengthen the Make in India initiative, boost startups, secure critical mineral supplies, and promote infrastructure in electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and data centers.
This comprehensive pre-budget forum in Visakhapatnam underscored the collective expertise and diverse perspectives necessary to shape a budget that addresses both immediate economic challenges and long-term strategic goals for India's growth story.
