Ankit Virmani, Director, Esskay Beauty Resources
“To truly democratize beauty and wellness in India, the upcoming Budget must address the twin challenges of affordability and structural growth. With volatile forex rates driving up input costs, the escalation in prices is being felt acutely by both salons and end-consumers. We urge the government to rationalize GST and reduce customs duties on essential imports and raw materials. This fiscal relief is vital to ensure that high-quality beauty solutions remain accessible at the grassroots level. Equally important is the accelerated formalization of our industry. While the sector falls under the MSME ambit, a vast majority remains unorganized. We look forward to a framework where Skill Council certifications are linked to MSME incentives. This integration would encourage compliance, standardize service quality, and unlock sustainable employment opportunities for the millions of skilled professionals driving this sector.”
Shivendra Nigam, CFO, Cantabil
“Last year’s Budget set the tone for stronger consumption through direct tax benefits, later on fuelled by GST 2.0 support and we are already seeing the positive impact reaching customers. For Budget 2026, we believe it is vital to extend momentum towards the retail sector an industry that contributes nearly 10% to India’s GDP and stands at a pivotal point of growth with a population of nearly 1.5 billion. A unified Retail Policy could act as a key enabler by simplifying regulations, easing compliance, and improving the overall ease of doing business. A unified framework would help both established and emerging brands operate more efficiently and unlock the sector’s true potential in the coming decade”.