Union Budget 2026 LIVE Updates: FM Sitharaman Unveils Six-Pillar Plan to Boost Growth

Presenting Union Budget 2026-27, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says," To accelerate and sustain economic growth, I propose interventions in six areas -Scaling up manufacturing in 7 strategic sectors; Rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors; Creating champion MSMEs; Delivering a push for infra; Ensuring long-term security and stability; Developing city economic regions."

Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman says, "Keeping Aatmanirbharta as a lodestar, we have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies. Simultaneously, we have ensured that citizens benefit from every action of the Government, undertaking reforms to support employment generation, agricultural productivity, household purchasing power and universal services to people. These measures have delivered a high growth rate of around 7% and helped us make susbstantial strides in poverty reduction and improvement in the lives of our people."

“We have pursued far-reaching structural reforms. Fiscal prudence and monetary stability, while maintaining a strong thrust on public investment, keeping self-reliance as a pillar. We have built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security and reduced critical import dependencies,” says FM.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says," Since we assumed office 12 years ago, the country's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation. This is the result of conscious choices we have made even in times of uncertainty and disruptions."

FM Nirmala Sitharaman begins her ninth consecutive presentation in Lok Sabha

The Union Cabinet has approved the Union Budget for 2026–27, clearing the final hurdle ahead of its presentation in Parliament. The Budget, cleared at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will now be tabled in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shortly.

Indian equity markets opened nearly flat on Budget Day but soon slipped into the red as investors turned cautious ahead of key announcements. Volatility remained high, with the weak rupee hovering close to 92 against the dollar adding to pressure. The Sensex was trading around 82,278, while the Nifty hovered near 25,291, with most major sectoral indices in negative territory.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at Parliament on Sunday to attend the Union Cabinet meeting ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27 in the Lok Sabha. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to give its final approval to the Budget before it is tabled in Parliament.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accompanied by her team, called on President Droupadi Murmu ahead of presenting the Union Budget 2026–27.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, the Finance Ministry is exploring optional joint taxation for married taxpayers.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has recommended a system similar to the USA and Germany, where couples can file combined tax returns, potentially allowing them to optimize tax liabilities and enjoy additional financial benefits.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is on her way to Rashtrapati Bhawan this Sunday for a courtesy call on President Droupadi Murmu, ahead of presenting her ninth Union Budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

This traditional visit is a key part of the Budget Day rituals before the speech is delivered in the Lok Sabha.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will on Sunday (February 1, 2026) present her ninth Union Budget in Parliament. The annual budget is more than a statement of government spending—it reflects the hopes of millions of Indians and sets the country's financial direction for the year.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with MoS Pankaj Chaudhary, reached Kartavya Bhawan on Sunday ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27 presentation in the Lok Sabha.

Sitharaman is all set to present her record ninth consecutive budget today at 11 am, detailing the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, left his residence this morning as he made his way to Kartavya Bhawan ahead of the Union Budget 2026 presentation.

Speaking briefly to the media, he urged calm and patience, saying, "Have a little patience… everything will be clear in a short while."

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s schedule for Union Budget 2026 is set to be a busy one. She will leave her residence between 8:15 am and 8:30 am and participate in the traditional Budget photo session at Kartavya Path from 8:45 am to 9:15 am.

Afterwards, the FM will head to Rashtrapati Bhavan before arriving at Parliament around 10 am. A Cabinet meeting is scheduled for 10:15 am, followed by the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27.

As the Union Budget 2026 unfolds, investors are closely watching stocks in sectors that are often impacted by government allocations and policy changes. Defence, infrastructure, agriculture, power, financials, housing and railways are expected to see the most action today.

For middle-class families, Budget Day isn’t just about numbers — it’s about monthly expenses. Any change in income tax can affect take-home pay, savings and investment plans, while decisions on home loans and jobs matter just as much.

Fuel prices, grocery bills and other everyday costs are also shaped by Budget policies, which is why millions of households are closely watching what the government announces today.

As Budget Day unfolds, market watchers are tracking a few key sectors more closely than usual. Banking, real estate, defence, railways and textiles are expected to see plenty of action as announcements roll in.

Infrastructure, power and agriculture stocks are also on the radar for signals on government spending and policy support. Meanwhile, financial and housing-related stocks could move based on tax changes or interest-rate cues from the Budget.