New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the much-awaited Union Budget on February 1, 2026. It was her ninth consecutive Budget, one that took several key decisions to drive India’s development in the coming years. During the Budget presentation, FM Sitharaman outlined its three ‘kartavya’, which are driving growth, empowering people, and ensuring inclusive development aligned with ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.
The Budget had something for everyone. It had measures for the benefits of farmers, students, MSMEs, healthcare workers, and commuters. In this article, we will examine 10 key announcements from the Budget that aim to enhance everyday life and boost income.
A boost to farmers’ income
The Budget focuses on prosperity of rural areas, especially those of farmers. Among several announcements were integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars in a boost to the fisheries sector, and entrepreneurship development in the animal husbandry sector, so that quality jobs are created in the rural areas.
In a major help to the farmers, Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-based platform, will come onto the scene. It will enable farmers make better decisions, reduce risk and improve productivity through customised advisory services. Moreover, there will be SHE-Marts to help rural women-led enterprises to move from credit-based livelihoods to becoming business owners.
Education gets a major push
Budget 2026 had plenty for the education sector, with FM Sithraman proposing to establish a National Institute of Design in India’s eastern area. Also, there will be five university townships located in close proximity to major industrial and logistics corridors to link educational places and industrial areas.
A helping hand to girls
The Budget has supported the education of girls with one hostel for them in every district in higher education STEM institutions. Also, there will be four new or upgraded telescope infrastructure facilities for research in astrophysics and astronomy. There will be an Education to Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee so that emerging technologies like AI play a more important part in skills and jobs.
FM Sitharaman proposed a three-pronged support strategy, equity, liquidity and professional assistance for the MSMEs, described as the backbone of our economy. There will be an SME Growth Fund of Rs 10,000 crore, and an additional Rs 2,000 crore will be transferred to the Self-Reliant India Fund.
Improved healthcare infrastructure
Budget 2026 created new healthcare career avenues as the Centre plans to add 1 lakh Allied Health Professionals in the next five years and impart training to 1.5 lakh caregivers. Also, there will be three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda and NIMHANS-2.
The district hospitals’ capacity will increase by 50 per cent as new emergency and trauma care centres will be established. To boost medical value tourism, the Centre will develop regional medical hubs. The Centre will boost heritage tourism with a National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid and the development of 15 iconic archaeological sites.
For Divyangjans, a life of respect
FM Sitharaman announced the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana for customised, industry-linked training. Also, there will be the Divyang Sahara Yojana to support assistive device manufacturing. There will be a focus on integration of R&D and technology through ALIMCO and PM Divyasha Kendras.