Proposals from Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue Reflected in Budget Announcements. Pic PIB/BS News Agency.
Two Young Leaders from West Bengal among Contributors Whose Ideas Found Place in Budget 2026
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata: In her Union Budget 2026 speech, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman stated that several ideas shared during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026 have inspired key proposals in this year's Budget. This, she said, reflects the Union Government’s commitment to participatory governance, youth-led development and inclusive policy-making.
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, brought together young leaders from across the country who presented innovative and forward-looking ideas before the Prime Minister and senior members of the Union Cabinet. Many of these ideas have now found resonance in the Union Budget 2026, underscoring the growing role of youths in shaping India’s development roadmap.
West Bengal’s Representation at the National Platform
Among the young leaders selected at the national level, two participants from West Bengal, Shri Ritam Bhattacharya, a MY Bharat Volunteer and Shri Dipayan Sundar Ghosh, a MY Bharat–NSS Volunteer, made notable contributions at VBYLD 2026.
Shri Ritam Bhattacharya, aged 19, is currently pursuing B.A. LL.B. (Honours) at Xavier Law School, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata. He was selected as one of the top 24 national presenters out of nearly 3,000 participants as he presented his policy roadmap on “Building a Future-Ready Workforce” directly to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. His ideas focused on skills-driven education, the creative economy, sports as a career pathway, mental health prioritisation and a national skill identity framework proposals have been reflected in Budget 2026–27 announcements, including the formation of a high-powered committee on Education–Employment–Enterprise, expansion of allied healthcare workforce, establishment of AVGC creator labs, university townships near industrial corridors, strengthening of the Khelo India Mission and enhanced mental health infrastructure.
Shri Bhattacharya is also a State ranker in the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025, a District Champion for 2026 and a National Youth Icon recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. His creative pursuits span music, filmmaking, public speaking and Constitutional awareness initiatives.
Shri Dipayan Sunder Ghosh was the only NSS volunteer from West Bengal selected for the Elite Final Cohort of VBYLD 2026. Chosen as one of 25 national delegates, he presented his ideas before the Prime Minister, building on his earlier participation in VBYLD 2025. His presentation focused on “Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Make in India, Make for the World”, highlighting the transformation of SEZs into circular industrial ecosystems, revival of legacy clusters, development of Tier-II and Tier-III cities, creation of university townships, promotion of Khadi, handloom and One District One Product (ODOP)-linked industries, and youth-led MSME and export enablement through Open Network for Digital Commerce or ONDC.
Several of these ideas were reflected in the Union Budget 2026 announcements and official presentations.
Youth-Led Vision for Viksit Bharat
The inclusion of ideas from VBYLD 2026 in the Union Budget marks a significant milestone in institutionalising youth participation in national policymaking. It demonstrates the Government’s resolve to harness the creativity, innovation and aspirations of India’s young population in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.