New Delhi: FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) welcomed the Union Budget 2026, presented by the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and termed it women centric and MSME -led Growth agenda.
“The Union Budget 2026 sends a clear and confident signal of continuity, credibility, and conviction. It balances fiscal discipline with inclusive growth, and places women, MSMEs, and manufacturing at the heart of India’s development journey. For women entrepreneurs and professionals, this Budget is not about short-term sops, but about building long-term capacity, opportunity, and progress” said Ms Poonam Sharma, President FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) and apex body of business women in the country .
“FICCI FLO applauds the Budget’s focus on women-led development, particularly the creation of a robust care ecosystem, including the training of 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers, strengthening allied health institutions, and expanding geriatric and mental health services. These initiatives will play a critical role in enabling greater workforce participation by women.
Measures such as girls’ hostels in every district, enhanced access to STEM education, SHE Marts for women entrepreneurs, and targeted support for Divyangjan livelihoods reinforce the government’s commitment to people-centric and inclusive growth.” Ms Poonam Sharma said.
“FICCI FLO welcomes the government’s three-pronged approach to strengthening MSMEs, including the establishment of a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, enhanced liquidity through TReDS and credit guarantees, and the introduction of Corporate Mitras to support compliance, especially in Tier II and Tier III towns. These measures are expected to significantly benefit women-led MSMEs, improving access to finance, reducing procedural burdens, and enabling scale and competitiveness.” , Ms Sharma said.
“The continued thrust on manufacturing, industrial corridors, logistics, clean energy, and public capital expenditure strengthens India’s growth fundamentals and positions the country as a global manufacturing hub.
Reforms aimed at ease of doing business, trust-based governance, and simplified tax compliance will particularly support first-generation entrepreneurs and small businesses.” She added.
FICCI FLO reaffirms its commitment to working closely with government and stakeholders to ensure that the Budget’s progressive measures translate into tangible outcomes on the ground, driving women-led enterprises, MSME growth, and sustainable manufacturing-led development as India advances towards Viksit Bharat.
A delegation of FLO members led by FLO National President Ms Poonam Sharma attended the Union budget session in the parliament level.
The FLO delegation included Chapter Chairs from across the country, along with Presidium Members, Past Presidents, Governing Body Members, Initiative Leads and Members, reflecting FLO’s wide national footprint and strong policy engagement.