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South Indian Bank CFO Vinod Francis on Union Budget
This story was originally published at 15:54 IST on 1 February 2026
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MUMBAI - Vinod Francis, chief financial officer, South Indian Bank, said the following on the Union Budget for 2026-27 (Apr-Mar), presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday:
The Union Budget 2026–27 offers a balanced, forward-looking roadmap that pairs growth support with fiscal prudence. Targeting a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP while boosting capital expenditure to 12.2 lakh crore (INR 12.2 trillion) underscores a commitment to infrastructure-led expansion and macroeconomic stability.
It strengthens the banking sector via a proposed High-Level Committee under the Viksit Bharat vision, alongside measures to enhance credit delivery and deepen financial markets, at a time when banks enjoy stronger asset quality and profitability. The Budget's push for MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) development, through expanded equity support, liquidity infusions, and credit guarantees, will improve financing access for small businesses and fuel nationwide entrepreneurship. Structural initiatives like India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, high-speed rail expansions, and targeted aid for manufacturing and emerging sectors promise greater competitiveness, job creation and economic resilience.
Taxation tweaks, including securities transaction tax adjustments and eased compliance timelines, strike a measured balance between revenue and reform. Overall, this Budget advances productivity-led growth and domestic resilience within a stable macro-fiscal framework. We welcome these steps and remain committed to sustainable expansion through prudent lending and customer-centric solutions. End
Compiled by Gopika Balasubramanium
Filed by Ashish Shirke
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