In her opening address to the Union Budget 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a clear and confident picture of India’s economic direction. Delivering her ninth consecutive Budget speech, she said the Indian economy stands on the pillars of stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation.
She described the Budget as a “unique yuva shakti-driven Budget.” The government, she said, remains committed to supporting the poor, the underprivileged and the disadvantaged. At the same time, it aims to empower young Indians to become active partners in national development.
Her speech focused on three Kartavyas (duties) that will guide policy in the coming year. These duties stress growth, inclusion and shared prosperity.
Stability as the Base of Growth
Sitharaman began by noting that the economy has shown stability since the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power. She credited this to careful fiscal management and long-term reforms.
According to her, India has achieved a growth rate of about 7 per cent. This growth reflects strong domestic demand and improved productivity. It also shows that reforms over the last decade have delivered results.
She said that inflation has stayed moderate despite global uncertainty. This has helped protect household budgets and maintain investor confidence. Stability, she added, allows the government to spend more on infrastructure and social development.
The Finance Minister described this journey as the “Reform Express.” She said the Reform Express is well on its way and continues to move forward with speed and purpose. These reforms aim to create jobs and make the economy more competitive.
The Three Kartavyas for India’s Future
A key part of Sitharaman’s speech was her explanation of the three Kartavyas that will guide the Union Budget 2026-27.
First Kartavya: Accelerate and sustain economic growth.
The government aims to boost productivity and improve competitiveness. It also wants to build resilience against global volatility. Sitharaman said India must prepare for changing global conditions and protect its economy from external shocks.
Second Kartavya: Fulfil the aspirations of the people.
This duty focuses on building skills and capacity. Citizens must become partners in India’s prosperity. Youth, entrepreneurs and workers will play a major role in shaping the economy.
Third Kartavya: Ensure access and inclusion.
Every family, sector and region must have access to resources and opportunities. Development, she said, must reach all parts of the country. Growth should not remain limited to a few regions or groups.
Together, these three Kartavyas form a roadmap for balanced and inclusive progress.
Youth at the Centre of Development
Calling the Budget “yuva shakti-driven,” Sitharaman placed young people at the centre of policy planning. She linked job creation to skills, innovation and entrepreneurship.
She said India’s demographic strength can become its biggest advantage. To achieve this, the government will invest in education, training and new opportunities. Young people will help drive productivity and growth across sectors.
At the same time, the Finance Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the poor and disadvantaged. She said the government’s sankalp is to focus on those who need support the most.
Social welfare, she added, is not just about assistance. It is also about building human capital. When vulnerable groups gain skills and access to work, they strengthen the economy as a whole.
Atmanirbharta as the Guiding Principle
Sitharaman said the government has kept Atmanirbharta as its “north star.” This focus on self-reliance has helped India achieve high growth.
However, she made it clear that self-reliance does not mean isolation. The current global environment remains uncertain. Trade routes and supply chains face frequent disruptions.
In such conditions, she said, India must stay deeply connected to global markets. The country must export more and attract long-term investments. Multilateralism and international cooperation remain essential.
She stressed that India must balance self-reliance with openness. Domestic strength and global integration should move together. This approach will help India remain competitive and resilient.
Reform Express and Job Creation
Sitharaman said the government has taken wide-ranging reforms to support job creation. These reforms cover many areas, including infrastructure, taxation and business regulation.
She repeated that the Reform Express is moving steadily forward. The goal is to build an economy that creates work for millions of people and improves productivity.
She added that reforms alone are not enough. A supportive ecosystem is also required. This ecosystem must include strong institutions and modern systems.
Financial Sector and Technology as Key Pillars
The Finance Minister highlighted the need for a robust and resilient financial sector. A healthy financial system ensures that businesses can access credit and households can save and invest with confidence.
She said financial stability will help support innovation and entrepreneurship. It will also allow new sectors to grow.
Technology, especially artificial intelligence, will play a central role in the next phase of development. Sitharaman spoke about cutting-edge technologies and their use in governance and economic planning.
AI and digital tools, she said, can improve service delivery and transparency. They can also help make better policy decisions. Technology will therefore become a major driver of productivity and efficiency.
A Supportive Ecosystem for the Three Kartavyas
To fulfil the three Kartavyas, Sitharaman stressed the need for a strong support system. This includes:
- Sustaining momentum in structural reforms
- Maintaining a resilient financial sector
- Using advanced technologies such as AI
These elements will work together to strengthen the economy. They will also help India adapt to global changes.
She said that reforms must continue without pause. At the same time, institutions must remain strong and flexible.
Confidence in India’s Economic Path
Sitharaman’s opening speech projected confidence and clarity. She said India has moved from crisis management to long-term planning.
The Budget, she explained, is not just a financial statement. It is a roadmap for the country’s future. It reflects the government’s vision of growth, inclusion and resilience.
By focusing on youth power, social equity and global integration, the speech outlined a balanced strategy. It combined ambition with caution and reform with responsibility.
She also linked economic policy with national duty. The idea of Kartavyas connected growth with purpose and opportunity with inclusion.
Conclusion
Union Budget 2026-27, as presented in the Finance Minister’s opening remarks, sets the tone for India’s next phase of development. It builds on stability and reform while looking ahead to new challenges.
The speech highlighted the importance of youth, self-reliance and global engagement. It also stressed that growth must be inclusive and shared by all.
In essence, Sitharaman’s address showed that the Reform Express is firmly on track. With strong foundations, supportive systems and a clear vision, the government aims to guide India toward a resilient and prosperous future.
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