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Sitharaman Presents Budget 2026-27, Charts Path for 'Vikasit Bharat'

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2026-27, her ninth consecutive budget, in the Lok Sabha. She highlighted the government's record of economic stability, structural reforms, and a balance between ambition and inclusion for a developed India. The budget introduces 'GST 2.0' aimed at simplifying indirect tax with a two-rate structure. The session is also significant as it addresses external challenges like new US tariffs on Indian goods.

Key Points: Budget 2026-27: FM Sitharaman Highlights Economic Stability, Reforms

  • Ninth consecutive budget by FM Sitharaman
  • Focus on GST 2.0 simplification
  • Emphasis on fiscal prudence and public investment
  • Response to US tariff challenges
2 min read

"India's economic trajectory marked by stability," says FM Sitharaman as she presents Union Budget 2026-27

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2026-27, emphasizing stability, GST 2.0 reforms, and a confident path for Vikasit Bharat.

"India's economic trajectory has been marked by stability. - Nirmala Sitharaman"

New Delhi, February 1

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday rose in the Lok Sabha to present the Union Budget 2026-27 in Lok Sabha. She is presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget.

Speaking in the House the FM said, "Since we assumed office 12 years ago. India's economic trajectory has been marked by stability. This government led by PM Modi has chosen action over ambivalance, reform over rhetoric. We have pursued far-reaching structural reforms, fiscal prudence and monetary stability, while maintaining a strong thrust on public investment."

"Today, we face an external environment in which trade and multilateralism are imperiled. And access to resources and supply chains are disrupted. New technologies are transforming production systems while sharply increasing demand on water, energy and critical minerals. India will continue to take confident steps towards Vikasit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion," she added.

The Finance Minister will also laid on the table two statements under Section 3(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003. These include the Medium-term Fiscal Policy-cum-Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement and the Macro-Economic Framework Statement.

Meanwhile, GST reforms, branded as 'GST 2.0', aimed to simplify indirect taxation through a two-rate structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, reduce compliance costs and lower the cost of living through rate cuts on essential goods and services.

This time, the budget document is significant, as the government is likely to focus on export growth following the United States' imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods.

On Thursday, FM Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey of India in Parliament for the 2025-26 financial year.

The Budget session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The focus on GST 2.0 with a simplified two-rate structure is a welcome move! It should make life easier for small businesses and hopefully bring down prices on daily essentials. Fingers crossed for lower bills at the kirana store. 🙏
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Rohit P
With the US imposing 50% tariffs, focusing on export growth is crucial. We need to diversify our markets and boost 'Make in India' for the world. Hope the budget has concrete plans for this, not just rhetoric.
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Sarah B
As someone working in the renewable energy sector, I'm keen to see how the budget addresses the demand for critical minerals and water resources mentioned by the FM. Sustainable growth is the only way forward.
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Vikram M
Fiscal prudence is important, but public investment in infrastructure has been visible and beneficial. The new highways and metro projects have improved connectivity. Hope this continues with a focus on rural infrastructure as well.
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Nikhil C
The FM speaks of balancing ambition with inclusion. I truly hope this means more support for farmers and better implementation of social welfare schemes. The stability of the economy must be felt by the common aam aadmi.

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