Budget 2026: 10 Major Wins for the Common Man That Could Boost Your Wallet

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled her ninth consecutive Union Budget on Sunday, focusing on reforms, jobs, skills, and inclusive growth. Budget 2026 aims to touch lives, from farmers and students to MSMEs, healthcare workers, commuters, and women entrepreneurs. Here’s a quick look at the highlights.

Farmers First: Boosting Income and Livelihoods

Rural prosperity is a core focus. Budget 2026 plans integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars to strengthen fisheries, and push entrepreneurship in animal husbandry to create quality rural jobs. Plantation crops get a boost through schemes for coconut, cashew, cocoa, and revival of sandalwood ecosystems, aiming to make India a global leader by 2030.

Digital Agriculture and Women Entrepreneurs

Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI platform, will guide farmers on better crop decisions, risk reduction, and productivity. Rural women entrepreneurs get a boost via SHE-Marts, helping them shift from credit-based livelihoods to business ownership, expanding the success of Lakhpati Didi.

Education: Institutes, Hostels, and University Townships

Budget 2026 plans a National Institute of Design in eastern India and five university townships near industrial hubs to strengthen industry-academia links. Every district will get a girls’ hostel in STEM institutions, and four telescope facilities will promote astronomy research. A high-powered Education to Employment Committee will align skills with AI and emerging tech.

MSMEs: Championing Small Businesses

Recognising MSMEs as the economy’s backbone, Budget 2026 introduces equity, liquidity, and professional support. A ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, ₹2,000 crore to the Self-Reliant India Fund, and ₹7 lakh crore through TREDS will ease liquidity stress. ‘Corporate Mitras’ in Tier-II and III towns will reduce compliance burdens.

Healthcare: Jobs, Skills, and Better Hospitals

Budget 2026 targets 1 lakh new Allied Health Professionals and 1.5 lakh trained caregivers. New All India Institutes of Ayurveda, NIMHANS-2, and a 50% increase in district hospital capacity are planned. Five regional medical hubs will boost medical tourism.

Financial Markets and Banking Reforms

A High-Level Committee will review banking reforms, while PSUs like PFC and REC will be restructured. Cities issuing municipal bonds above ₹1,000 crore get ₹100 crore incentives, and Portfolio Investment Scheme limits have been raised.

IT Sector: Growth Engine

Software services, IT-enabled services, KPO, and contract R&D will now fall under “Information Technology Services” with a safe harbour margin of 15.5%. Thresholds for safe harbour benefits rise from ₹300 crore to ₹2,000 crore, helping mid-sized IT firms.

Transport: High-Speed Rail Connectivity

Seven high-speed rail corridors, including Hyderabad-Chennai and Delhi–Varanasi, are on the agenda to cut travel time, boost regional economies, and support urban growth.

Tourism: Heritage, Culture, and Medical Travel

Five regional medical hubs with AYUSH post-care facilities, a National Institute of Hospitality, development of 15 iconic archaeological sites, and Northeast Buddhist circuits aim to expand tourism-led growth.

Divyangjan: Livelihood and Technology Support

Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana will provide industry-linked training, while Divyang Sahara Yojana supports assistive device R&D through ALIMCO and PM Divyasha Kendras.

Sports: Khelo India Mission

Budget 2026 launches a decade-long Khelo India Mission to identify talent, train coaches, integrate sports science, and build modern infrastructure.

Budget 2026 sets a comprehensive roadmap for inclusive growth, blending technology, skill development, and infrastructure to empower citizens across sectors.