On 1 February 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget and introduced three major “Kartavyas” (duties) to accelerate India’s economy and empower the poor and disadvantaged people.
This Budget was prepared at Kartavya Bhavan, so the government symbolically focused on the idea of “duties” toward the nation.
The 3 Major “Kartavyas” of Budget 2026
Kartavya 1: Accelerate and Sustain Economic Growth
- Boost India’s economic growth
- Improve productivity and global competitiveness
- Make the economy strong against global uncertainties (wars, oil prices, global recession, etc.)
What Government Plans to Do
- Increase manufacturing capacity
- Promote high-tech industries (semiconductors, electronics, defence, pharmaceuticals)
- Increase capital expenditure (Capex) on infrastructure like roads, railways, ports, airports
- Encourage private and foreign investments
- Strengthen supply chains and industrial production
Why this matters:
- More factories = more jobs
- Strong economy = stable rupee and better living standards
Kartavya 2: Fulfil People’s Aspirations and Build Their Capacity
- Empower citizens
- Make people partners in India’s growth journey
- Improve education, skills, health, and employment
Government Focus Areas
- Skill development programs for youth
- Employment generation schemes
- Digital services and technology-driven governance
- Human capital development (education, health, training)
👉 FM said people should not just receive benefits but actively participate in India’s prosperity.
Kartavya 3: Ensure Resources and Opportunities for Everyone
- Inclusive growth for all families, communities, regions, and sectors
- Reduce inequality between rich-poor and rural-urban areas
- Follow the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”
Government Will Focus On
- Welfare schemes for poor and vulnerable groups
- Rural development
- Women empowerment
- Regional development
- Social security programs
👉 The idea is no one should be left behind in India’s growth story.
“Reform Express” – Government’s Reform Mission
FM said “Reform Express is on track and will continue at full speed.”
“Meaning of Reform Express”
Government will continue reforms in:
- Tax system
- GST simplification
- Labour laws
- Business regulations
- Ease of Doing Business
- Investment-friendly policies
👉 Goal: Make India one of the easiest countries to do business in.
Key Focus Areas in Budget 2026
The Finance Minister proposed interventions in six strategic areas:
1️⃣ Scaling Up Strategic Manufacturing
- Semiconductors
- Defence manufacturing
- Electronics
- Green energy
- Pharmaceuticals
2️⃣ Rejuvenating Legacy Industrial Sectors
- Steel
- Textiles
- Cement
- Traditional manufacturing sectors
3️⃣ Creating Champion MSMEs
- Strengthening small and medium enterprises
- Credit support and policy help
- Making Indian MSMEs global exporters
4️⃣ Massive Push for Infrastructure
- Highways, railways, airports, smart cities
- Logistics and digital infrastructure
5️⃣ Long-Term Security and Stability
- Energy security
- Defence
- Economic stability
- Social security systems
6️⃣ Developing City Economic Regions
- Special economic hubs around major cities
- Industrial corridors
- Smart economic clusters
Technology & Future Challenges
⭐️FM highlighted:
- New technologies are changing production systems
- Demand for water, energy, and critical minerals is rising fast
- India must balance ambition with inclusion
👉 Vision: “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India)
Historic Achievement by Nirmala Sitharaman
- She presented the Union Budget for the 9th consecutive time
- She is the first woman Finance Minister to do so
- Budget expected to focus heavily on capital expenditure (Capex) due to global geopolitical tensions
What This Budget Means for Common People
✅ Positive Impact
- More infrastructure projects → more jobs
- Strong manufacturing → Make in India boost
- Focus on poor, middle class, women, and youth
- Long-term economic stability
- Support for MSMEs and startups
Long-Term Vision
- India to become a developed nation
- Strong economy with inclusive growth
- Balanced focus on growth + welfare