Budget 2026 LIVE Updates: In a post-Budget press conference, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said 21st century is completely driven by technology and “we will ensure that it is brought in to benefit the common man”.The Budget 2026 focused on growth, jobs and long-term reforms. “Primarily, we are looking at building the ecosystem with structural reforms… It will continue with an aim to make sure that we create enough environment for improving productivity and making sure employment is generated,” Sitharaman said.
What Sitharaman announced in Budget 2026: Manufacturing got a strong push, with new schemes for sectors such as biopharma, semiconductors, electronics, textiles, chemicals and capital goods. MSMEs have been positioned as growth engines, with fresh equity support, easier access to credit and professional assistance. Public capital expenditure was raised to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, with major focus on infrastructure, freight corridors, inland waterways, high-speed rail, and development of Tier-II and Tier-III cities as economic hubs. Services, skilling and employment generation are key themes, covering healthcare, tourism, education, creative industries and sports.
Union Budget 2026 Key Highlights: Watch Here
Story continues below this ad
On inclusion, the Budget targeted higher farmer incomes, support for women-led enterprises, empowerment of ‘Divyangjan’ (specially abled), mental healthcare, and focused development of eastern and north-eastern states. Fiscal consolidation remains on track, with the fiscal deficit pegged at 4.3% of GDP. The tax proposals aimed to simplify compliance and ease prosecution measures.
