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Nirmala Sitharaman Budget 2026: What Are Everyone's Expectations..?

By Sushmitha R
Nirmala Sitharaman Budget 2026: What Are Everyone's Expectations..?

Various sectors of India's economy are pinning high hopes on the Union Budget 2026-27, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026.

Various sectors of India's economy are pinning high hopes on the Union Budget 2026-27, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026.

This will be her ninth consecutive Budget, set against a backdrop of resilient growth (Economic Survey 2025-26 projects 6.8-7.2% GDP for FY27), strong domestic demand, fiscal discipline, and global uncertainties.

The focus is expected on stability, targeted reforms, capex continuity (~₹12-12.5 lakh crore), consumption boost, and inclusive measures for Viksit Bharat.

Taxpayers & Middle-Class:

Taxpayers, especially the middle class, seek meaningful income tax relief to counter inflation. Key demands include raising the standard deduction (from ₹75,000 to ₹1 lakh under the new regime), fine-tuning slabs (particularly ₹12-20 lakh bracket), higher LTCG exemption (to ₹2 lakh), enhanced Section 80D (health insurance) limits, expanded home loan interest deductions (Section 24(b) even in new regime), separate slabs for senior citizens, and incentives for retirement savings schemes like NPS/EPF. Broader rebates and simplification of the new tax regime are also anticipated.Shining Diva Fashion Latest Stylish Design Fancy Crystal Necklace Jewellery Set for Women | Trendy Celebrity Inspired Jewellery

Agriculture & Rural Development:


As the backbone of the economy, the agriculture sector expects infrastructure upgrades, increased credit flow , higher PM-KISAN assistance to boost rural consumption, market reforms, climate-resilient support, and allocations for post-harvest infrastructure, cold storage, and high-yielding seeds.

Farmers hope for measures to improve productivity, ensure food security, and support small/marginal farmers through FPOs and better market access.Also Read: Valmiki Should Be Worshipped Before Ayodhya Rama: MP Sunil Bose Sparks Controversy

Industry, MSMEs & Manufacturing:


MSMEs, key job creators, anticipate easier credit access, tax exemptions/incentives, simplified GST compliance, faster refunds, credit guarantees (expansion to ₹10-20 crore range), and business-friendly regulations.

Larger industries seek sustained capex push for infrastructure (roads, railways, urban development, logistics under PM Gati Shakti), PLI scheme continuity (especially in electronics, renewables, EVs, defence), and policies to enhance 'Make in India', export competitiveness, and self-reliance amid global challenges.Also Read: Voter List Revision: Book a Call Online..!

Finance & Banking Sector:


With rising investor interest in mutual funds and equities, the sector expects measures to maintain market liquidity and support credit growth.

Banks hope for a supportive framework to improve loan quality while expanding lending (especially to MSMEs/retail), deeper financial inclusion via digital tools , and policies to manage risks while boosting credit flow to priority sectors like agriculture and rural areas.Also Read: Mood of the Nation: If elections were held today, NDA gets a thumping majority, blockbuster projection of 352 seats..!

Overall, the Budget is expected to prioritize fiscal prudence (target ~4.4% deficit), investment-led growth, employment generation, green energy, and resilience—balancing immediate relief with long-term structural reforms.