Union Budget 2026–27: Sitharaman Unveils Roadmap for Growth, Jobs and Global Competitiveness

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 presented the Union Budget 2026–27, outlining the government’s economic vision amid global uncertainties, trade challenges, and domestic development priorities. The Budget places strong emphasis on healthcare, manufacturing, strategic sectors, employment generation, fiscal discipline and India’s long-term goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat. Below are the 25 salient points of the Budget 2026–27:

1. Rs 10,000 crore allocation announced for the new Bio Pharma Shakti scheme to promote biologics and biosimilars.

2. Focus on making India a global bio-pharma hub.

3. Special push to tackle non-communicable diseases like diabetes through advanced bio-medicines.

4. Creation of 1 lakh Allied Health Professionals across 10 disciplines over five years.

5. Training of 1.5 lakh caregivers under geriatric and NSQF-aligned programmes.

6. Expansion of emergency and trauma care centres nationwide.

7. Establishment of new mental health institutions on the lines of NIMHANS.

8. Continued thrust on capital expenditure to sustain economic growth.

9. Targeted interventions across six priority sectors, including healthcare and advanced technology.

10. Scaling up manufacturing in strategic and frontier sectors.

11. Strengthening the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.

12. Development of City Economic Regions to boost urban-led growth.

13. Measures to support MSMEs facing global and domestic headwinds.

14. Focus on employment generation through manufacturing and services.

15. Increased emphasis on research, innovation and skilling.

16. Support for sectors impacted by high US tariffs on Indian exports.

17. Policy signals aligned with the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement.

18. Steps to enhance export competitiveness and diversify markets.

19. Commitment to fiscal discipline while maintaining growth momentum.

20. Reaffirmation of government’s reform agenda with 350+ reforms implemented so far.

21. Continued rollout of the ‘Reforms Express’ to accelerate structural changes.

22. Focus on productivity enhancement across sectors.

23. Stress on inclusive development, ensuring benefits reach all regions.

24. Budget anchored in three core kartavyas—growth, aspiration fulfilment, and equitable access.

25. Renewed push towards achieving the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Union Budget 2026–27 seeks to balance global challenges with domestic priorities, positioning India for resilient growth, stronger global integration and inclusive development in the years ahead.