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 11:49 AM ISTBudget 2026-27 hikes Govt capex to Rs 12.2 lakh crore in big push to infra
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced a capital expenditure of Rs 12.2 lakh crore in the Budget for 2026-27, to boost big-ticket infrastructure projects for growth and jobs in the economy.
Presenting the Budget, the Finance Minister said that an Infrastructure Risk Development Fund would be set up to accelerate the development of big projects.
She said to push economic growth, the Budget proposes to deliver a powerful push to infrastructure, including highways, ports, railways and power projects, scale up manufacturing in 7 strategic sectors and create champion MSMEs. Read More...
- 1 Feb 2026 11:46 AM IST
- Establishment of three Ayurvedic hospitals across the country
- Upgradation of AYUSH centers
- Creation of a research center in Jamnagar dedicated to traditional medicine research
- Promotion of veterinary and diagnostic facilities in the private sector
- Introduction of new courses in the medical field for the youth
- 1 Feb 2026 11:44 AM IST
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed creating a high-level committee on banking to support Viksit Bharat. This committee will thoroughly review the banking sector.
Additionally, a plan has been put forward to reorganise Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC Limited (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation), two major state-owned non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) under the Ministry of Power.
- 1 Feb 2026 11:43 AM IST
Government assistance to set up Sea Stations along with establishment of dedicated flight corridor
- 1 Feb 2026 11:43 AM IST
Giant 6-ft artwork of Nirmala Sitharaman created by UP artist for budget day
Amroha: An artist from Uttar Pradesh's Amroha, Juhaib Khan, created a six-foot sketch of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on a wall as the Union Budget 2026 is being presented.
Speaking to IANS, Juhaib Khan said, “I create paintings based on real events using charcoal. As the budget is being presented today and Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting it for the ninth time, I decided to make a six-foot sketch of her." Read More....
- 1 Feb 2026 11:39 AM IST
Public capital expenditure allocation increased to 11 lakh crore in the Budget Estimates.
- 1 Feb 2026 11:39 AM IST
Finance Minister announces high-speed corridors connecting seven cities
- Mumbai to Pune
- Pune to Hyderabad
- Hyderabad to Bengaluru
- Hyderabad to Chennai
- Delhi to Varanasi
- Varanasi to Siliguri
- 1 Feb 2026 11:38 AM IST
India to ensure Aatmanirbharta, Budget driven by Yuvashakti: FM Sitharaman
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the government has ensured Aatmanirbharta across the spectrum despite geopolitical uncertainties, adding that the economic trajectory has been marked by stability towards the Viksit Bharat at 2047 goal.
Presenting her ninth consecutive Budget, the Finance Minister said the aim is to build and accelerate economic growth and fulfil the aspirations of the people with the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. Read More.....
- 1 Feb 2026 11:35 AM IST
FM Sitharaman lists 3 ‘Kartavyas’ to accelerate economy, empower poor
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday shared three 'Kartavyas' (duties) to not only accelerate the economy but also empower the poor, underprivileged, and the disadvantaged.
Sitharaman said that to deliver on the government's 'sankalp' (resolve) and given that this is the first budget prepared in Kartavya Bhavan, "we are inspired by three Kartavyas". Read more: -
