Budget 2026–27: Sitharaman outlines three ‘Kartavyas’ to drive growth, inclusion

Presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined three ‘Kartavyas’ aimed at accelerating economic growth, fulfilling people’s aspirations and ensuring inclusive access to resources, while signalling continued reforms and higher capital expenditure.

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday shared three ‘Kartavyas’ (duties) to not only accelerate the economy but also empower the poor, underprivileged, and the disadvantaged.

Sitharaman said that to deliver on the government’s ‘sankalp’ (resolve) and given that this is the first budget prepared in Kartavya Bhavan, “we are inspired by three Kartavyas”.

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“The first Kartavya is to accelerate and sustain economic growth by enhancing productivity and competitiveness and building resilience to volatile global dynamics. Our second Kartavya is to fulfil aspirations of our people and build their capacity, making them strong partners in India’s path to prosperity,” she said while presenting the Union Budget 2026-27.

“Our third Kartavya aligned with our vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas’ is to ensure that every family, community, region and sector has access to resources,” she added.

She further stated that the ‘Reform Express’ is well on its way and will maintain its momentum to help us fulfil our duties.

The Finance Minister proposed interventions in six areas — scaling up manufacturing in several strategic and frontier sectors; rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors; creating champion MSMEs; delivering a powerful push for infrastructure; ensuring long-term security and stability; and developing city economic regions.

“New technologies are transforming production systems while sharply increasing demand on water, energy and critical minerals. India will continue to take confident steps towards Viksit Bharat by balancing ambition with inclusion,” she said.

Sitharaman is the first woman Finance Minister of the country to present the Budget in Parliament for the ninth consecutive time. The budget is likely to focus more on capital expenditure, especially in sectors deemed to be strategically important owing to prevailing geopolitical compulsions.