Mr. Abhishek Somany, Managing Director and CEO, SOMANY Ceramics

Natural gas constitutes one of the most critical input costs in ceramic tile manufacturing, yet it continues to remain outside the GST framework. This exclusion leads to a significant cascading tax impact, as manufacturers bear tax levies without access to input tax credit, thereby increasing production costs significantly. Bringing natural gas under GST would meaningfully improve cost efficiency and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian tile manufacturers. Additionally, despite tiles being a fundamental material in residential construction and housing-led infrastructure, they continue to be taxed at 18%. A rationalisation of GST on tiles to the 5 % slab would support affordable housing, stimulate demand and strengthen the domestic manufacturing ecosystem. We hope the upcoming Budget considers these measures to enable sustainable growth for the sector.

Mr Santosh Shah, MD of VYNA Electric

Strengthening Domestic Electrical Manufacturing Through PLI Support

“With India’s electronics PLI scheme disbursing over ₹21,500 crore so far and attracting ₹1.76 lakh crore in committed investment, we expect Budget 2026 to double down on support for domestic manufacturing. A modest reduction in import duties on raw materials and extension of incentives to components for lighting and switchgear would help companies deliver global-quality products at competitive prices. For consumers, this could mean access to safer, more durable home electrical solutions built for Indian conditions. For manufacturers willing to uphold strict quality, it would renew confidence in scaling up responsibly.

 Mr. Tushar Verma, EVP India & Subcon. REHAU India

As India prepares for the next phase of economic growth, the interiors and furniture sector stands at an important inflection point. Urban housing, commercial real estate, and renovation activity are together creating a strong, long term demand for better designed, more durable, and more sustainable interior solutions. The Union Budget has an opportunity to recognise this shift and support an industry that sits at the intersection of manufacturing, housing, and employment. The sector needs a stable and forward looking policy environment, one that encourages domestic manufacturing, simplifies the cost structure of essential inputs, and improves access to capital for the thousands of MSMEs who form the backbone of the interiors ecosystem. From designers and fabricators to component makers and installers, this value chain drives both innovation and livelihoods. A budget that strengthens housing, infrastructure, and small business financing will directly translate into healthier growth for interior solutions, helping Indian homes and workspaces move toward higher quality, safety, and long term value. That is where the real opportunity lies, for the industry and for the economy as a whole.