Budget 2026 wish list: Gurmeet Chadha seeks LTCG relief, special lending rates for gold and silver

With Budget 2026 preparation in full swing, Complete Circle Consultants' Managing Partner and CIO Gurmeet Chadha has rolled out his wish list for the government. The market expert seeks rationalisation of Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) to 10%, monetisation of gold and silver by enabling special interest rates on loans, and a fresh impetus to affordable housing in the upcoming budget.

In a candid tweet on X, Chadha also wishes for stability in financial and currency markets in 2026 so that government reforms can have a more deep-rooted impact.

The suggestion comes as the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) begins discussions with leading economists. Complete Circle Consultants has suggested three things to the government:


"Some suggestions to boost economic momentum as Honourable @PMOIndia meets leading economists.

1. Increase affordable housing home loan limit to 25 lacs at special home loan rates of 5-6% …target NRIs through campaigns of build your dream home in India. Most blue collar workers electricians, chefs, welders, drivers etc. dream of a home in their native town or village. We will see a sharp rise in remittances and pick up in housing activity," Chadha said.

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"2. Monetise Gold and Silver. Loan against gold and silver at special rates of repo plus 200 bps (7-8%) for 3 months. Include inherited jewellery, bars, coins up to 10 lac," he said, while putting forth his second wish. "3. STT collected so far is 36,000 cr. We will end the year at 50,000 cr. Reduce LTCG to 10%. It is making India unattractive globally and spoiling investor sentiment," he added.


Chadha has been pressing for a reduction in LTCG.

Currently, the long-term capital gains on listed equity shares and units of mutual funds are exempt up to Rs 1.25 lakh. These apply to securities held for 12 months or more. Meanwhile, selling equity shares within one year of holding them incurs a short-term capital gains (STCG) tax of 20%. It was 15% prior to 23 July 2024.

Also read: After income tax and GST tweaks, Gurmeet Chadha bats for next big push — LTCG cut

Gold and silver prices have risen sharply this year, giving their best returns in decades.

"In 2025, gold has risen by 65% and silver by 150%, indicating a year of tremendous gains and positioning the precious metal for its best yearly performance in more than four decades," a note by Augmont said.

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(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)