Union Budget 2026 Live Updates: FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents budget in Lok Sabha
The central government is set to present budget in Parliament on Sunday, February 1, with high expectations from citizens, businesses and policy experts. With the economy navigating global uncertainties and domestic growth priorities, stakeholders are keenly watching for announcements on tax relief, policy clarity and measures aimed at boosting consumption, investment and employment.
The Budget is expected to outline the government’s fiscal roadmap for the coming year, balancing welfare commitments with capital expenditure and long-term reforms. From middle-class taxpayers hoping for relief to industry leaders seeking incentives and economists assessing macroeconomic signals, the annual exercise remains a key moment for economic direction-setting.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget at 11 am, marking her ninth consecutive Budget speech — a record first for any Indian finance minister. The milestone underscores continuity in fiscal leadership as the government lays out its vision for the year ahead.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has welcomed the Union Budget, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting what he described as a forward-looking financial plan aligned with India’s rapid development goals and long-term aspirations.
In a statement, Lokesh said the budget would significantly benefit Andhra Pradesh, highlighting key provisions such as the proposed Critical Minerals Corridor, high-speed rail connectivity, tax incentives for data centres, and enhanced support for the electronics manufacturing sector. He also expressed satisfaction with the renewed focus on tourism.
The minister said the state government would work to effectively leverage the opportunities created by the budget to attract investments, generate employment, and drive Andhra Pradesh’s next phase of economic development.
Traders in Delhi’s Gandhi Nagar Market have expressed mixed reactions to the Union Budget presented by the central government. They have described it as largely “average.”
According to traders, the budget is unlikely to have a significant impact and does not adequately address the issues faced by local markets and small businesses.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Budget 2026-27 in the Parliament on Sunday, announced that the government will roll out a Customs Integrated System (CIS) in two years as a single, integrated and scalable platform for all customs processes.
The Finance Minister also said that the utilisation of non-intrusive scanning with advanced imaging and AI technology for risk assessment will be expanded in a phased manner, with the objective of scanning every container across all the major ports.
The Budget was balancing long-term technology ambitions with near-term execution.
Deepak Kedia, Chief Financial Officer, Mastek Group
“The Union Budget 2026 reinforces the government’s focus on building a strong technology and innovation ecosystem. The expansion of the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and the Biopharma SHAKTI programme highlight the role of innovation-led manufacturing and digital self-reliance.
Continued support for AI, data centres, cloud infrastructure, and MSME digital transformation provides long-term clarity and strengthens India’s position as a global digital hub.”
Highlights the Budget’s focus on employability, equity, and technology-enabled learning.
Er. Koneru Satyanarayana, Chancellor, KL Deemed to be University
“The Union Budget 2026 presents a decisive vision for transforming education into an engine of employability, innovation, and inclusive growth. With initiatives spanning AVGC labs, new institutes, girls’ hostels, and an Education-to-Employment Standing Committee, the focus is firmly on aligning learning with industry needs.
These measures reaffirm a national commitment to ensuring education translates seamlessly into skills, jobs, and sustainable economic progress for India’s youth.”
Arora emphasises the Budget’s shift toward employability, industry alignment, and lifelong learning.
Abhishek Arora, Chief Executive Officer, TimesPro
“The Union Budget 2026–27 reinforces a welcome shift from access-driven education to outcome-led learning. The proposed Education to Employment Standing Committee can tighten alignment between curriculum, credentials, and industry demand—especially in the context of AI-driven roles.
Support for AVGC labs and creative technologies will strengthen early talent pipelines. Greater collaboration with edtech platforms and a rationalised GST regime on job-linked learning could further accelerate professional upskilling at scale.”
The Budget strengthens outcome-driven education, particularly for AI-shaped services jobs.
Naveen Mahesh, Co-founder, Beyond 8
“The Union Budget 2026–27 makes it clear that India’s next growth phase depends on connecting education to employment and enterprise. The proposed Education to Employment and Enterprise Committee introduces a stronger outcome lens.
Initiatives such as AVGC labs in schools and colleges, a new National Institute of Design, and university townships near industrial corridors support new-age career pathways aligned with industry demand.”
Points to the Budget’s sector-specific approach to workforce development, while noting areas for deeper investment.
Dr. Deepak K. Sinha, Deputy Director, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Jain University, Bengaluru
“The Union Budget 2026 strategically invests in a future-ready workforce by integrating AI, quantum technologies, allied healthcare, and the creative economy into formal career pathways. Support for AVGC, new design institutes, healthcare training, and mental health infrastructure reflects a holistic vision.While progressive, sustained investment in core technical education will be essential to fully bridge India’s long-term skills gap.”
Temurnikar highlights the Budget’s recognition of creativity, design, and intellectual property in an AI-driven world.
Atul Temurnikar, Chairman & Co-founder, Global Schools Group
“The Union Budget signals a clear intent to build India’s future through talent, technology, and human capability. The emphasis on the creative and content economy is particularly significant, recognising creativity as a national asset.
Integrating design, creativity, and storytelling into education will help students build original thinking and access new-age careers, positioning India as a culturally confident and globally competitive talent hub.”
The Budget reinforces education’s role in productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Dr. Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University
“The Union Budget 2026 presents a forward-looking framework that strengthens the foundations for long-term economic resilience. Its emphasis on investment-led growth, human capital, and innovation reflects a clear understanding that productivity will define India’s future.
Education reforms spanning AI-enabled learning, design, skill development, and youth employability place learning at the heart of growth. Support for the Orange Economy, content creation labs, and a new design institute signals a strong intent to align education with future work and innovation.”