New Delhi, February 1, 2026 – During the presentation of the Union Budget 2026‑27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized three key ‘Kartavyas’ (duties or priorities) aimed at accelerating India’s economic growth while uplifting the poor and marginalized sections of society. These guiding principles are intended to shape the government’s policy approach over the coming years, balancing economic development with social inclusion.
1. Accelerating Economic Growth
Sitharaman highlighted that India’s growth strategy will focus on capital expenditure, strategic investments, and infrastructure development to create employment opportunities and strengthen the economy’s resilience. The government is committed to sustaining fiscal prudence while promoting long-term growth, ensuring that public resources are used effectively to support innovation, manufacturing, and technology adoption.
2. Empowering the Poor and Marginalized
A major priority of the Budget is to strengthen social safety nets and improve the economic conditions of the underprivileged. Initiatives targeting rural livelihoods, financial inclusion, healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment are expected to receive special attention, ensuring that growth benefits are widely shared. Programs under the government’s social security network, currently covering over 95 crore citizens, are likely to see expansion and refinement.
3. Encouraging Citizen Participation and Inclusion
Sitharaman also stressed the importance of public engagement in policymaking. Inputs from citizens, including the youth, were actively sought while preparing the Budget, ensuring that policies reflect real-world needs. By fostering inclusive governance and participatory decision-making, the government aims to make development a shared responsibility.
The Road Ahead
The Finance Minister described these three Kartavyas as a roadmap for India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047, balancing ambition with inclusion. With a focus on self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta), strategic investments, and citizen-centric policies, the Union Budget 2026‑27 seeks to combine economic dynamism with social justice, empowering all sections of society while positioning India as a global growth engine.