Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2026 on Sunday, said the government’s focus will be on a “Yuva Shakti-driven” budget inspired by “three kartavyas” aimed at supporting
the poor, underprivileged and disadvantaged sections, highlighting that it is the government’s duty to fulfil the aspirations of the people. Follow Live Updates Here
She added that the budget will follow a threefold approach designed to build a supportive ecosystem for inclusive growth and opportunities.
Presenting thebudget in Parliament, Sitharaman said, “Since we assumed office 12 years ago, the country’s economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation. This is the result of conscious choices we have made even in times of uncertainty and disruptions.”
She said the government has pursued wide-ranging structural reforms while maintaining fiscal prudence and monetary stability, alongside a strong push on public investment. “We have pursued far-reaching structural reforms. Fiscal prudence and monetary stability, while maintaining a strong thrust on public investment, keeping self-reliance as a pillar. We have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies,” Sitharaman said.
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Highlighting the emphasis on Aatmanirbharta, the finance minister said, “Keeping Aatmanirbharta as a lodestar, we have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies. Simultaneously, we have ensured that citizens benefit from every action of the Government, undertaking reforms to support employment generation, agricultural productivity, household purchasing power and universal services to people.”
She added that these measures have delivered a growth rate of around 7% and helped achieve “substantial strides in poverty reduction and improvement in the lives of our people.”
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Outlining the roadmap ahead, Sitharaman said, “To accelerate and sustain economic growth, I propose interventions in six areas — scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic sectors; rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors; creating champion MSMEs; delivering a push for infrastructure; ensuring long-term security and stability; and developing city economic regions.”
