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.
Live Updates
- 1 Feb 2026 11:30 AM IST
Finance Minister announces a new scheme to expand and create jobs in the textile industry aims to modernise textile clusters. The goal of Samarth 2.0 is to promote skill development in the textile sector.
There are plans to set up large textile parks that will operate in challenge mode. Additionally, a new Mahatma Gandhi Gram Samaj initiative will be launched to support Khadi and handicrafts.
- 1 Feb 2026 11:29 AM IST
India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 – Key Points
- The mission will focus on industry-led research and training centres for semiconductors.
- The budget will be increased to ₹40,000 crore to build on the progress of the semiconductor mission.
- Support will be given to mineral-rich states like Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
- 1 Feb 2026 11:28 AM IST
Key Initiatives Announced
- Bio-Pharma Shakti Scheme: ₹10,000 crore allocated over the next five years.
- Special Action Plan: Focused on supporting top-performing MSMEs.
- Education and Research: Three new national-level institutions will be set up for pharmaceutical education and research.
1 Feb 2026 11:21 AM ISTFinance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the Budget
“This budget is based on the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ — together with all, development for all. It is the third budget prepared in Kartavya Bhavan.
We aim to take India to a global level through skill, competitiveness, and productivity, ensuring everyone’s participation in development. Since August 2025, we have introduced 350 reforms.
International developments influence our economic planning, and we have implemented reforms in key areas such as GST and the Labour Code,” said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- 1 Feb 2026 11:17 AM IST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the Budget
We have formulated this budget with three key objectives and are presenting it on the auspicious day of Magha Purnima. We are strengthening India’s connection with global markets and reducing our dependence on exports.
As part of building a developed India, this budget reflects the aspirations of our youth. The central government is also taking measures for the development of the poor, weaker sections, Dalits, and tribals,” said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
- 1 Feb 2026 11:10 AM IST
We are continuing the reforms and moving forward with 7 per cent growth, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman
- 1 Feb 2026 11:04 AM IST
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman begins budget speech. to present her ninth budget
- 1 Feb 2026 10:46 AM IST
The central cabinet has given the nod for the budget 2026-27. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present in parliament in a while.
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