Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said the government has chosen the path of reforms over rhetoric. Presenting the Budget for 2026-27 in Lok Sabha, she said India will continue to take steps towards becoming a Viksit Bharat.
The Finance Minister also laid the 16th Finance Commission report for tax revenue devolution between the Centre and states for 2026-2031. This Union Budget is Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s 9th consecutive Budget.
This takes Sitharaman closer to the record of 10 budgets that were presented by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai over different time periods.
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This year’s Budget is foundation for our journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047: PM Modi
February 1, 2026 2:15 pm
PM Modi says the budget strengthens foundation of India’s bright future. “This year’s budget will give India’s ‘reform express’ new energy and momentum,” says the PM.
Highway of opportunities: PM Modi on Union Budget
February 1, 2026 2:14 pm
Budget is historic; reflects empowered presence of nation’s feminine strength, says the PM.
Jammu and Kashmir allocated Rs 43,290 crore in Union Budget
February 1, 2026 1:35 pm
According to Budget documents, out of the total allocation, Rs 42,650 crore has been allocated as Central assistance. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/jk-allocated-rs-43290-crore-in-union-budget/
Totally lacklustre, falls short of hype: Congress on Union Budget
February 1, 2026 1:32 pm
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says the budget speech given by Nirmala Sitharaman was “non-transparent” as it gave no idea of the budgetary allocations for key programmes and schemes. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/totally-lacklustre-falls-short-of-hype-congress-on-union-budget/
Income tax slabs
February 1, 2026 12:38 pm
FM wraps up her Budget speech, no changes in income tax rates proposed this year after last year’s mega announcements.
Approval required for cargo clearances will be seamlessly processed through a single window by year end: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:37 pm
Govt to exempt duty on fish catch by Indian fishing vessels in exclusive economic zones or high seas; to revise provisions related to baggage clearance during international travel to address genuine concerns of passengers.
Customs duty exemption on video games manufacturing parts removed from April 1: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:37 pm
Customs duty on TV equipment, cameras and other instruments imported by a foreign film unit or TV team for shooting films removed from April 1.
Govt to support Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India to scale up production of assistive devices: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:35 pm
Budget exempts parts used to manufacture microwave ovens from basic customs duty, says FM Sitharaman.
Validity for advance period, binding on Customs, extended from 3 years to 5 years: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:35 pm
FM proposes duty free imports of certain specified inputs for promoting export of leather. Customs duty exemptions removed on coffee roasting/brewing/vending machines, CD-ROMs containing books or newspaper from February 2, says Sitharaman.
Budget proposes to exclude entire value of biogas while calculating excise duty payable on blended CNG: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:34 pm
Proposes to extend time period of exports of final products from 6-month to 1-year for exporters of leather, textile garments.
Govt will create five tourism destinations in 5 Purvodaya states and will make provisions for 4,000 e-buses: FM
February 1, 2026 12:34 pm
Sitharaman says government will develop 15 archaeological sites, including Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Sarnath and Hastinapur.
Govt will develop an integrated East Coast Industrial Corridor with well-connected node at Durgapur: FM
February 1, 2026 12:33 pm
FM extends exemption on capital goods used for manufacturing lithium ion cells for battery storage.
Budget proposes to raise Securities Transaction Tax to 0.05 pc on commodity futures from 0.02 pc: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:33 pm
Proposes to remove exemptions on customs duties on items manufactured in India or have negligible import.
MAT to be made final tax; rate reduced to 14 pc, from current 15 pc: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:33 pm
Tariff rate on certain items is being modified with effect from February 2 and certain others from April 1 as part of rate rationalisation, says FM.
Govt to tax buyback proceeds for all types of shareholders as capital gains: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:32 pm
Tax Collected at Source rate on liquor, scrap and mineral rationalised to 2 per cent, says Sitharaman.
Budget proposes new tariff lines to help in better identification of coated pipes for exports: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:32 pm
No customs duty on goods used to manufacture battery energy storage system
February 1, 2026 12:29 pm
To extend basic customs duty exemption for capital goods used to manufacture Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Govt proposes joint panel of Corporate Affairs Ministry and CBDT for incorporation of income computation and disclosure standards
February 1, 2026 12:27 pm
Budget proposes to rationalise definition of accountants for safe harbour rules to promote home-grown accounting firms: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:24 pm
FM says National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will be established to digitally document all places of significance.
FM proposes to exempt Minimum Alternate Tax for non-residents who pay tax on presumptive basis
February 1, 2026 12:24 pm
Govt allows inter-cooperative societies dividend income as deduction under new tax regime: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:22 pm
Threshold for availing safe harbour for IT services is being enhanced from Rs 300 crore to Rs 2,000 crore: FM
February 1, 2026 12:22 pm
Govt will set up National Institute of Hospitality by upgrading existing National Council for Hotel Management and catering Technology: FM
February 1, 2026 12:22 pm
Budget proposes tax holiday till 2047 to foreign companies that provide cloud services to customers globally by using data centres in India
February 1, 2026 12:21 pm
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed tax holiday till 2047 for foreign companies that provide cloud services to customers worldwide by using data centres in the country. The tax holiday will be extended to the entities concerned subject to certain conditions. In the Union Budget 2026-27 speech, Sitharaman said there is a need to enable critical infrastructure and boost investment in data centres.
Govt extends deduction for cooperative members who supply cotton seeds and cattle feed
February 1, 2026 12:20 pm
In Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala, key turtle nesting sites along with turtle trails will be developed: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:19 pm
FM says NIMHANS-2 (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) will be set up
February 1, 2026 12:19 pm
States to get 41% share in fund transfers, Rs14 lakh crore allocated, says FM
February 1, 2026 12:18 pm
FM announced that it will maintain a 41% share for states in the transfer of funds, following the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission; for the financial year 2026-27, the Central Government has allocated Rs 14 lakh crore to the states, ensuring resources for development and welfare initiatives across the country.
50 per cent capacity will be increased in district hospitals by establishing emergency and trauma care centres: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:17 pm
FM proposes exemptions of 3 years for dividend income received by notified cooperatives on investments made up to January 31, 2026
February 1, 2026 12:16 pm
No interest liability on taxpayer on penalty amount for period of appeal before 1st appellate authority, irrespective of outcome: FM
February 1, 2026 12:16 pm
FM proposes a six-month foreign asset disclosure scheme for small taxpayers like students, tech professionals and relocated NRIs
February 1, 2026 12:15 pm
Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rate on sale of overseas tour packages cut to 2 pc from 5 pc and 20 pc earlier: FM
February 1, 2026 12:15 pm
Proposes reduction in TCS rate for pursuing education and medical education under liberalised remittance scheme from 5 per cent to 2 per cent.
FM announces simplified tax rules for NRIs
February 1, 2026 12:15 pm
Extended time to revise returns with payment of a nominal fee; individuals filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 can continue to file till July 31; non-audit business cases and trusts will be allowed to file returns till August 31; TDS on sale of immovable property by NRIs will now be deducted by the resident buyer, replacing the earlier requirement of quoting a TAN.
Time limit for filing revised I-T returns extended to March 31
February 1, 2026 12:13 pm
FM proposed extending the time limit for filing revised income-tax returns from December 31 to March 31, with the provision to do so on payment of a nominal fee.
Targeted effort to increase farmer income
February 1, 2026 12:12 pm
To provide special attention to small farmers; to empower the vulnerable to access mental health and trauma care; to undertake initiatives to develop 500 reservoirs; to strengthen the fisheries value chain in coastal areas; to support animal husbandry through a credit-linked subsidy programme; to encourage the creation of livestock farmer producer organisations; to support high-value crops such as coconut, sandalwood, and cashew in coastal areas; to support the generation of walnuts in hilly regions; to enhance competitiveness in coconut production and to launch a dedicated programme proposed for the Indian cashew and cocoa.
Govt removes customs duty exemption on naphtha for use in fertilisers and metal parts used in manufacture of electrical insulators
February 1, 2026 12:11 pm
Govt proposes to exempt award given by Motor Accident Claims Tribunal from income tax, says FM
February 1, 2026 12:07 pm
FM Proposes rule-based automated process for small taxpayers in FY27 Budget: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:07 pm
Net tax receipts estimated at Rs 28.7 lakh crore, Budget size at Rs 53.5 lakh crore. Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:04 pm
Income Tax Act, 2025, to be implemented from April 1; rules and tax returns forms to be notified shortly: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:04 pm
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Income Tax Act, 2025 will be implemented from April 1 and rules and tax returns forms will be notified shortly. Beginning April 1, the Income Tax Act, 2025, will come into force replacing the six-decade-old tax law and the changes made in tax laws in 2026-27 Budget will be incorporated in the new legislation.
Govt to borrow Rs 11.7 lakh crore in FY27 from dated securities to fund its fiscal deficit
February 1, 2026 12:04 pm
Govt provides Rs 1.4 lakh crore as tax devolution to states in FY27: FM
February 1, 2026 12:04 pm
Fiscal deficit pegged at 4.3 pc of GDP in FY’27, lower than 4.4 pc in FY’26: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:03 pm
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/business/union-budget-fm-pegs-fiscal-deficit-lower-at-4-3-per-cent-of-gdp-for-2026-27/
Govt to launch scheme for development of Buddhist circuit in North East region to preserve temple, monastries: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:03 pm
Govt proposes to lower debt-to-GDP ratio to 55.6 pc per cent in FY27, from 56.1 pc in current fiscal: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:02 pm
FM allocates Rs 5,000 crore for CITY Economic Regions (CERs) over 5 years
February 1, 2026 12:02 pm
Govt has accepted the recommendations of 16th Finance Commission, retaining 41 pc tax devolution formula: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 12:02 pm
FM proposes to support Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India to scale up production of assisted devises for divyangjan
February 1, 2026 12:01 pm
FM proposes to launch Bharat Vistar, a multilingual AI tool to integrate agri stack
February 1, 2026 12:00 pm
FM proposes setting up of ‘She Marts’ as community-owned retail outlets
February 1, 2026 11:59 am
Govt proposes credit link subsidy programme, encourage livestock farmer producer organisations to promote employment opportunities: FM
February 1, 2026 11:59 am
Govt will create a network of over 1,000 accredited Indian Clinical Trial sites: FM
February 1, 2026 11:58 am
Govt proposes coconut promotion scheme to increase production, productivity
February 1, 2026 11:58 am
We will develop ecologically sustainable trails in Himachal Pradesh, Utttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:55 am
Telescope infrastructure to be upgraded to promote astrophysics and astronomy: FM
February 1, 2026 11:55 am
Govt to launch pilot scheme to upgrade skills of 10,000 guides at 20 iconic tourist sites: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:55 am
Centre to support 5 university townships in vicinity of major industrial logistics centres: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:53 am
Budget proposes to support of Indian Institute of Creative Technologies Mumbai for setting up content labs in 15,000 secondary schools
February 1, 2026 11:53 am
Budget proposes Biopharma SHAKTI with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore over next 5 years: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:52 am
Government to set up one girls’ hostel in every district of country: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:51 am
Budget proposes to upgrade WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar, Gujarat
February 1, 2026 11:47 am
FM proposes loan-linked capital subsidy support scheme for veterinary collages, hospitals, diagnostics laboratories
February 1, 2026 11:47 am
Centre to support 5 university townships in vicinity of major industrial logistics centres: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:47 am
Govt proposes scheme to strengthen domestic manufacturing of high-value, technology-advanced capital goods and infrastructure equipment
February 1, 2026 11:46 am
Govt to support states in setting up five hubs for medical tourism: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:46 am
Government will continue to focus on developing infrastructure in cities with over 5 lakh population, says the FM
Person of Indian Origin (PRIO) permitted to invest in equity instruments, listed indian companies through Portfolio Investment Scheme: FM
February 1, 2026 11:45 am
The individual limit is set to be increased from 5% to 10%, while the combined cap for all such investors is proposed to rise from 10% to 24%. This change would allow serious foreign individual investors to take more meaningful stakes in Indian companies, potentially improving price discovery, deepening shareholding, and supporting long-term capital formation.
In FY27, capital expenditure set at Rs 12.2 lakh crore
February 1, 2026 11:44 am
For the Financial Year 2027, the capital expenditure has been set at Rs 12.2 lakh crore.
Public capital expenditure gets Rs 11 lakh crore
February 1, 2026 11:43 am
Public capital expenditure has increased manifold to an allocation of 11 lakh crore in the Budget Estimates.
Rs 10,000 Crore SME Growth Fund
February 1, 2026 11:42 am
FM proposed to introduce Rs 10,000 crore SME growth fund. The idea is to incentivise SMEs based on select criteria.
Existing institutions for allied health professionals to be upgraded: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:40 am
FM proposes 7 high-speed rail corridors across India
February 1, 2026 11:38 am
FM proposed the development of 7 high-speed rail corridors as part of efforts to boost connectivity and infrastructure in India. Key routes include: Mumbai to Pune; Pune to Hyderabad; Hyderabad to Bengaluru; Bengaluru to Chennai. Additional corridors are planned to further strengthen regional connectivity and economic growth across the country under the Union Budget 2026-27.
Close to 25 crore people have come out of multi-dimensional poverty: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:35 am
FM proposes to market making framework with suitable access to funds and derivatives on corporate bond indices
February 1, 2026 11:35 am
FM proposes incentive of Rs 100 crore for single bond issuance by municipal corporation of more than Rs 1,000 crore
February 1, 2026 11:35 am
Finance Minister proposes to restructure REC, PFC as part of public sector financial institution strengthening
February 1, 2026 11:34 am
Budget proposes to review foreign exchange management non-debt instruments rules: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:34 am
FM proposes raising investment limit for individual PIO from 5 per cent to 10 per cent
February 1, 2026 11:33 am
Today, Indian banking sector is characterised by strong balance sheet, historic high profitability: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:33 am
Outlay of Rs 20,000 crore proposed for launch of carbon capture and utilisation scheme across sectors like steel and cement: FM
February 1, 2026 11:33 am
Propose setting up high level committee on ‘Banking for Viksit Bharat’: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:32 am
New dedicated freight corridor from Dankuni in East to Surat in West to promote environmentally sustainable movement of cargo: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:32 am
A ship repair ecosystem catering to inland waterways will be set up at Varanasi and Patna: FM
February 1, 2026 11:32 am
FM proposes setting up of Infrastructure Risk Fund to strengthen private developers risk management
February 1, 2026 11:30 am
Also proposes incentives for indigenous manufacturing of sea planes.
Finance Minister proposes to raise capex target to Rs 12.2 lakh crore for FY27 from Rs 11.2 lakh crore earmarked for current fiscal
February 1, 2026 11:30 am
Govt proposes to support professional institutions like ICAI, ICSI to design short term modular courses
February 1, 2026 11:30 am
Propose to set up infrastructure risk guarantee fund for infra sector: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:29 am
FM proposes to make TReDS as transaction platforms for all purchases from MSMEs by central public sector enterprises
February 1, 2026 11:29 am
Budget 2026-27 proposes Natural Fibre Scheme, Textile Expansion and Employment scheme, National Handloom and Handicraft programme
February 1, 2026 11:29 am
We will continue to develop infrastructure in Tier 2, Tier 3 cities: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:28 am
Budget 2026-27 proposes integrated textile programme with five sub-parts
February 1, 2026 11:28 am
FM Sitharaman proposes to top up Self Reliance India Fund with Rs 4,000 cr in FY27 to support MSMEs
February 1, 2026 11:27 am
FM proposes scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters in FY27 budget
February 1, 2026 11:27 am
FM proposes setting up mega textile parks with focus on value addition to technical textiles
February 1, 2026 11:27 am
Propose Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj initiative to strengthen Khadi handloom: Sitharaman in Budget FY’27
February 1, 2026 11:26 am
A scheme for enhancement for construction and infrastructure equipments will be introduced to strengthen domestic manufacturing: FM
February 1, 2026 11:25 am
FM proposes setting up of 3 dedicated chemical parks to enhance domestic production, reduce import dependency
February 1, 2026 11:22 am
High-tech tool rooms to be established at two locations to give push to capital goods manufacturing: FM
February 1, 2026 11:20 am
FM proposes to increase outlay on electronic manufacturing to Rs 40,000 crore in FY27 budget
February 1, 2026 11:18 am
FM proposes to support mineral rich states of Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to establish critical mineral facilities
February 1, 2026 11:17 am
Budget 2026-27 proposes Rs 10,000 crore investment in biopharma over next 5 years: FM
February 1, 2026 11:17 am
Semiconductor mission 2.0 will focus on producing equipment and materials designed for full-stack Indian IP: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:17 am
FM proposes interventions in 6 sectors, including manufacturing, strategic and frontier sectors, healthcare and advanced technology
February 1, 2026 11:16 am
‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ third Kartavya of government, says FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:15 am
Robust financial sector is central to mobilising savings, allocating capital and managing better governance: FM
February 1, 2026 11:13 am
Various reforms rolled out since August 15, including GST, labour codes, and quality control order; reform express on its way, says Sitharaman.
Our Kartavay is to accelerate and sustain economic growth, fulfil aspirations of people: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:11 am
Government’s Sankalp is to focus on poor, underprivileged and disadvantaged, says the FM.
India will continue to take steps towards Viksit Bharat: FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:11 am
Our Kartavya is to ensure every family, community, and sector has access to resources, amenities and opportunities: Sitharaman
Today we face an external environment where trade and multilaterism is imperative: Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 11:10 am
We will ensure that dividends of growth reach every farmer, scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, and youth, says the Finance Minister.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rises to present Budget for 2026-27 in Lok Sabha
February 1, 2026 11:09 am
Our government has chosen reforms over rhetoric, says FM Sitharaman.
Sitharaman creates history with 9th consecutive Budget, longest serving Finance Minister
February 1, 2026 11:08 am
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/sitharaman-creates-history-with-9th-consecutive-budget-longest-serving-finance-minister
Cabinet approves Union Budget 2026-27
February 1, 2026 11:00 am
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/business/cabinet-approves-union-budget-2026-27-ahead-of-its-presentation-by-finance-minister-sitharaman/
Finance Minister Sitharaman arrives at Parliament
February 1, 2026 10:49 am
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday arrived at Parliament to attend the Cabinet meeting before presenting her record ninth Budget at the Central Hall of Parliament. The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will approve the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament. She will present the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha at 11 am.
President Murmu offers ‘dahi cheeni’ to FM Sitharaman
February 1, 2026 10:25 am
Ahead of the Union Budget 2026 presentation, President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday offered ‘dahi-cheeni’ (curd and sugar) to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Read more: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/ahead-of-budget-speech-president-murmu-offers-dahi-cheeni-to-finance-minister-sitharaman
Sitharaman meets President for customary pre-Budget presentation meeting
February 1, 2026 10:21 am
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday called on President Droupadi Murmu before presenting her record ninth Budget in the Lok Sabha. As per established tradition, the Finance Minister met the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan before heading to Parliament. Before going to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Sitharaman posed with her Budget team in front of her office at Kartavya Bhavan. Wearing a magenta silk saree, she was holding a tablet in a red pouch with the national emblem, along with the Minister of State and all six Secretaries in her ministry.
Finance Minister to present her ninth straight Budget
February 1, 2026 9:50 am
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth straight Budget, which is expected to unveil measures to sustain growth momentum, maintain fiscal discipline, and announce reforms that could buffer the economy from global trade frictions, including US tariffs. PTI
