"Productivity, Capacity, Inclusion": Nirmala Sitharaman On Budget 2026

Presenting the Union Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government's aim is to turn aspiration into achievement by ensuring that the benefits of growth reach farmers, marginalised communities, youth, women, and the poor. Calling it a "Yuva Shakti-driven Budget," she outlined a three-pillar approach focused on accelerating growth, building people's capabilities, and ensuring inclusive access to opportunities. The Budget emphasises structural reforms, a resilient financial sector, and the use of advanced technologies, including AI, to strengthen governance and support India's journey towards Viksit Bharat.