NEW DELHI : Following the tabling of the Union Budget 2026-27, Mr. Ankit Jain, Co-founder & CEO of Cosmos Pumps and Member of the CII National Startup Council, has lauded the government’s strategic focus on decentralizing economic growth and strengthening the startup ecosystem.
- Unlocking Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities
Mr. Jain highlighted the government’s proposed outlay of ₹20,000 crore over the next five years for developing City Economic Regions as a “decisive shift” in the national urban narrative. According to Jain, by extending focus toward tier-two and tier-three cities, as well as temple towns, the Budget acknowledges that India’s future economic momentum lies beyond traditional metropolitan hubs.
“Cities are not just population centers; they are engines of innovation, employment, and productivity,” Jain stated. “This initiative aims to unlock the power of urban agglomerations by aligning infrastructure investments with each city’s unique growth drivers.”
- Beyond Digital: The Need for Resilient Infrastructure
Speaking from the perspective of an industry leader in fluid management, Mr. Jain emphasized that true ‘Smart Cities’ require a foundation of robust physical infrastructure. He noted that water management, energy efficiency, and sustainable utilities must be prioritized alongside digital solutions.
“Modern cities need intelligent pumping systems, efficient water supply, wastewater management, and climate-ready infrastructure to support growing populations and industries,” he added. He further praised the challenge-based allocation of ₹5,000 crore per City Economic Region, noting that it will foster a healthy spirit of competition and outcome-driven planning among urban bodies.
- Strengthening the Startup Ecosystem
As a representative of the CII National Startup Council, Mr. Jain also addressed the critical needs of India’s budding entrepreneurs. He pointed out that while talent and ideas are abundant, the “cost of capital and cash-cycle friction” remains a significant hurdle.
To ensure that innovation-led startups can scale on a global level, Jain called for Faster GST refunds to improve liquidity. Rationalized ESOP taxation at the point of liquidity rather than vesting. Stronger R&D cash incentives to fuel technological breakthroughs. “Together, urban reforms and startup-friendly policies can make India’s growth more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready,” Jain concluded.