Reforms will boost tourism, healthcare, education: Northeastern states hail Union Budget 2026
Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Sunday welcomed the Union Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament, describing it as a “people-centric and development-oriented” Budget that strengthens the foundation of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Reacting to the Union Budget 2026-27, Chowdhury said the Centre’s announcement to develop India as a medical tourism hub and strengthen the caregiver ecosystem in the healthcare sector reflects the government’s commitment to creating a robust and inclusive healthcare framework.
The announcement that 16,000 new secondary schools will be established across the country was also welcomed as an important step to strengthen educational infrastructure and expand learning opportunities.
Mizoram Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the Union Budget 2026-27 places tourism at the intersection of employment generation, cultural preservation and sustainable regional development and this perspective is closely aligned with Mizoram’s priorities. The emphasis on environmentally responsible tourism, vocational skills, hospitality training and digital credentials reflects the shift from volume-focused tourism to value-based, experience-focused models.
The National Destination Digital Information Grid will enable lesser-known destinations to be systematically documented and told stories, opening new avenues for local youth, researchers and creative professionals. Investments in guide certification and hospitality skills will further strengthen service quality while creating dignified livelihoods in hills and rural areas. The ongoing thrust on infrastructure, with public capital expenditure rising to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, will improve access to domestic tourism circuits, along with incentives for last-mile connectivity. Support for MSMEs, women-led businesses and community entrepreneurship also ensures that tourism growth remains inclusive and locally stable. Overall, the Budget provides a balanced and future-ready roadmap for the tourism-led development of Mizoram.
Arunachal Pradesh Tourism, Education, Rural Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona stated that the Union Budget 2026-27 reflects a mature understanding of India’s diversity by addressing development through capacity building, connectivity and cultural continuity. For Arunachal Pradesh, the emphasis on Purvodaya, sustainable capital expenditure of Rs 12.2 lakh crore and increased fiscal devolution under the 16th Finance Commission strengthens the foundation for long-term, decentralized growth.
Within this broader framework, the proposed Buddhist Circuit plan strengthens Arunachal Pradesh’s role as a bridge of civilization between India and Asia. Overall, the Budget provides a balanced roadmap linking education, rural studies, cultural preservation and economic opportunities to empower border states as active contributors to Viksit Bharat.
