Presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament today, the Finance Minister placed strong emphasis on key sectors such as healthcare, education, employment, tourism, women empowerment and agriculture.
While the budget announced major initiatives for senior citizens’ treatment, mental health, strengthening district hospitals, and making medicines for diseases like cancer and diabetes more affordable, it also introduced new steps such as a credit scheme for women, women’s hostels in every district, and the launch of SHE-Mart to support women entrepreneurs.
In addition, the government signalled its intent to accelerate economic growth through plans for industrial development in Eastern India, boosting the tourism sector, and expanding public transport with e-buses.
The budget has prioritised healthcare for senior citizens through major new initiatives. It also aims to enhance the capacity of district hospitals and strengthen trauma care centres across the country.
To expand mental health services nationwide, the government has proposed the establishment of NIMHANS-2.
To provide relief to the public, the budget also announced a reduction in prices of several essential medicines, including:
To promote women empowerment, the government has taken several important steps. The budget proposes setting up one women’s hostel in every district.
It also includes plans to introduce a credit scheme for women, helping them become financially independent. For women entrepreneurs, the government will establish SHE-Mart, which is expected to strengthen market access and create new opportunities for women-led businesses.
Technology and Skilling: Telescope Facilities and Training for 10,000 Guides:
The budget also highlights modern infrastructure and skill development. The government has proposed setting up four telescope facilities.
To strengthen the tourism ecosystem, it has also announced special training and skill upgradation for 10,000 tourist guides.
Tourism and Heritage: Development of 15 Archaeological Sites:
To boost tourism, the government has announced the development of 15 archaeological sites. This initiative is expected to increase tourist inflow and create new employment opportunities.
Infrastructure: 4,000 E-Buses and ₹1.4 Lakh Crore Grant for States:
The budget proposes a ₹1.4 lakh crore grant for states. Along with this, the government has also planned to deploy 4,000 e-buses to strengthen public transport and promote cleaner mobility.
Tax Update: New Income Tax Law to be Implemented from April 1, 2026:
The budget has also focused on simplifying the tax system. The Finance Minister stated that income tax forms have been made easier.
Key announcements include:
What Could Become Cheaper? Relief on Medicines, Mobiles and Solar Products:
The budget also indicates that several essential items may become cheaper, including:
FAQs on Union Budget 2026-27:
Q1: What are the key healthcare initiatives in Union Budget 2026-27?
A1: The budget focuses on senior citizens’ treatment, mental health expansion via NIMHANS-2, and reducing prices of essential medicines for cancer, diabetes, and rare diseases.
Q2: How does the budget support women empowerment?
A2: It includes women’s hostels in every district, a new credit scheme for women, and the launch of SHE-Mart for women entrepreneurs.
Q3: What are the major infrastructure plans?
A3: ₹1.4 lakh crore grants for states and deployment of 4,000 e-buses to improve public transport and clean mobility.
Q4: What tax changes can taxpayers expect?
A4: A new income tax law from April 1, 2026, reduced TCS on foreign education, no jail for hiding income, and special exemptions for NRIs.
Q5: Which products are expected to become cheaper after the budget?
A5: Medicines, mobile phones, solar products, leather goods, microwave ovens, and biogas-based CNG.
