₹13 Lakh Income Without Tax? Budget 2026 May Bring Major Relief for Farmers
The Modi 3.0 government is all set to present its second full Union Budget, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman scheduled to table it on February 1. As the budget day approaches, expectations are running high across the country. From salaried taxpayers and farmers to railway passengers, several sections of society are hoping for meaningful announcements that can ease financial pressure and improve daily life.
Although the government has not made any official statements yet, media reports and policy discussions suggest that this year’s budget could focus strongly on boosting consumption, strengthening infrastructure, and offering targeted relief to key groups.
This possible change aligns with the suggestions made by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which has urged the government to leave more disposable income in the hands of people. Higher take-home pay is expected to boost consumer spending, support demand-driven sectors, and give a wider push to economic growth.
The government is also keen on encouraging more taxpayers to shift from the old tax regime to the new one. For this transition to succeed, the new regime needs to offer clear and visible benefits. Enhancing deductions and exemptions could be a key step in making it more attractive for middle-class taxpayers.
In the previous budget, Indian Railways was allocated a massive ₹2.65 lakh crore, underlining the government’s focus on modernisation and expansion. The long-term objective is to completely eliminate reservation waiting lists by 2030. At present, during peak travel seasons, demand exceeds seat availability by nearly 20–25 per cent, leading to frustration among passengers.
By adding more trains and upgrading infrastructure, the government aims to improve passenger comfort, reduce congestion, and make rail travel more reliable across the country.
In the previous general budget, the government had already raised the KCC limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Another increase would further strengthen financial support for farmers and improve access to affordable institutional credit.
As February 1 draws closer, all eyes remain on the Union Budget announcements. If these expectations turn into reality, the budget could offer relief to taxpayers, improved travel options for passengers, and stronger financial backing for farmers, setting a positive tone for the economy in the year ahead.
Although the government has not made any official statements yet, media reports and policy discussions suggest that this year’s budget could focus strongly on boosting consumption, strengthening infrastructure, and offering targeted relief to key groups.
Major Tax Relief on the Cards for Salaried Taxpayers
One of the most talked-about expectations from the upcoming budget is tax relief for salaried individuals. Reports indicate that the standard deduction under the new income tax regime may be increased from ₹75,000 to ₹1 lakh. If this proposal is approved, salaried taxpayers earning up to ₹13 lakh annually could effectively fall outside the income tax net. At present, income up to ₹12.75 lakh is tax-free under the new regime.This possible change aligns with the suggestions made by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which has urged the government to leave more disposable income in the hands of people. Higher take-home pay is expected to boost consumer spending, support demand-driven sectors, and give a wider push to economic growth.
The government is also keen on encouraging more taxpayers to shift from the old tax regime to the new one. For this transition to succeed, the new regime needs to offer clear and visible benefits. Enhancing deductions and exemptions could be a key step in making it more attractive for middle-class taxpayers.
Railway Sector May Get Strong Budget Support
The railway sector is also expected to receive significant attention in the Union Budget. With rising passenger numbers and persistent issues of long waiting lists, the government may announce the launch of several new trains to improve capacity. Sources suggest that more than 300 Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains could be introduced in the coming years.In the previous budget, Indian Railways was allocated a massive ₹2.65 lakh crore, underlining the government’s focus on modernisation and expansion. The long-term objective is to completely eliminate reservation waiting lists by 2030. At present, during peak travel seasons, demand exceeds seat availability by nearly 20–25 per cent, leading to frustration among passengers.
By adding more trains and upgrading infrastructure, the government aims to improve passenger comfort, reduce congestion, and make rail travel more reliable across the country.
Boost Likely for Farmers Through Higher Credit Access
Farmers may also be among the key beneficiaries of the upcoming budget. Reports suggest that the central government is considering increasing the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) limit from ₹5 lakh to ₹6 lakh. This additional credit support could help farmers manage rising input costs and invest more confidently in agriculture-related activities.In the previous general budget, the government had already raised the KCC limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Another increase would further strengthen financial support for farmers and improve access to affordable institutional credit.
As February 1 draws closer, all eyes remain on the Union Budget announcements. If these expectations turn into reality, the budget could offer relief to taxpayers, improved travel options for passengers, and stronger financial backing for farmers, setting a positive tone for the economy in the year ahead.
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