Union Budget 2026 Overview
Presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026, the Budget aims to boost productivity, generate employment, and integrate India deeply with global markets. Despite these ambitions, no major direct tax relaxations for individuals or corporations were announced.
Infrastructure Developments
- Launch of infrastructure projects benefiting Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
- Introduction of customs duty reductions to boost exports of marine, leather, and textile products.
- Plans for national waterways in Odisha and ecologically sustainable projects in Kerala.
- Establishment of an East Coast Industrial Corridor and a freight corridor from West Bengal to Gujarat.
Capital Expenditure
The Centre's capital expenditure target is set at ₹12.2 lakh crore for 2026-27, an increase from previous estimates.
Budget Goals - The Three Kartavyas
- First Kartavya: Focus on accelerating and sustaining economic growth through:
- Scaling up manufacturing in strategic sectors.
- Rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors.
- Supporting MSMEs.
- Infrastructure creation.
- Ensuring energy security.
- Developing city-economic regions.
- Second Kartavya: Fulfil the aspirations of the Indian people by enhancing capacity through education, training, and skilling in sectors like healthcare, medical tourism, and AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics).
- Third Kartavya: Ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all, focusing on:
- Increasing farmer incomes.
- Empowering the Divyang and vulnerable populations.
- Focus on mental health and trauma care.
- Supporting northeast region development.
Regional Developments
- Support for mineral-rich states like Odisha and Tamil Nadu with rare earth corridors.
- Coconut Promotion Scheme and cashew, cocoa production support in Kerala.
