Page 21 - NIS English 16-28 Feb, 2026

COVER STORY BUDGET
UNION

budget strongly reflects the current central govern- 2026-27
ment’s commitment to advancing development and
progress with fiscal discipline. This budget has achieved
the target of keeping the fiscal deficit below 4.5%. This
budget embodies the “Nation First” approach and the
vision of a “Future Ready India,” where development
will not be limited to only large cities. ₹12.2 lakh crore
has been allocated as capital expenditure for infra-
structure. New rail corridors, national waterways, and
improved connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will
boost employment and take India’s aspirations to new
heights. This budget realizes Prime Minister Modi’s
vision of making MSMEs a major pillar and backbone
of India’s growth story. The decisions taken by the gov-
ernment to globalize the MSME sector will prove instru-
mental in achieving the goal of a self-reliant India. This This budget is historic; it reflects the
budget also places significant emphasis on tourism. empowerment of the nation’s women.
The framework outlined in this budget, encompassing As a female Finance Minister, Nirmala
farmers, the middle class, women, and all sections of
society, will guide the Indian economy towards the Sitharaman has created a new record by
right path and a bright future. A growth fund of ₹10,000 presenting the country’s budget for the
crore has been allocated for MSMEs. This fund will ninth consecutive time. This budget is
strengthen MSMEs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and help a Rajmarg of immense opportunities.
them achieve their goals. The Union Budget 2026-27 is This budget is a strong foundation
a powerful reflection of Prime Minister Modi’s vision,
from education to self-employment. The development for our ambitious journey towards a
of 5 university townships around major industrial and developed India by 2047.
logistics corridors will promote education-industry
collaboration. Additionally, the construction and up- Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
grading of four telescope infrastructure facilities will
give a new impetus to research. The establishment of machal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir,
the National Institute of Design, AVGC labs in 15,000 and the Araku Valley, and turtle trails in Odisha,
secondary schools and 500 colleges, and the forma- Karnataka, and Kerala will give a new impetus to
tion of the ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ development in these regions. Eco-tourism will be
High-Powered Committee reflect the commitment to promoted. Furthermore, the establishment of the
empowering the new generation with skills and build- National Institute of Hospitality will provide skills
ing a leading India in every sector. and employment opportunities to the youth and
strengthen the tourism sector.
DEVELOPMENT AND HERITAGE Undoubtedly, the resolve of a new India, riding
Development and heritage are crucial aspects of on the reform express, will receive new energy and
the current central government’s vision. The central momentum from this Union Budget, which forms
government’s decision in this budget to develop 15 the basis for making the nation developed by 2047.
archaeological sites, including Dholavira, as cultural Let’s understand through 11 sectors how the
destinations will establish India’s ancient culture on central government, in its 12th year in office, has
the global stage. The construction of Buddhist cir- charted the course for a new India through this
cuits in 5 northeastern states, mountain trails in Hi- Union Budget…

February 16-28, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 19