Union Budget 2026: 'Reform Express' is on its way, says finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman

NEW DELHI: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget 2026 speech on Sunday reiterated the Narendra Modi government's resolve to continue with its focus on reforms in a big way. "The "Reform Express" is on its way and the government will keep the momentum. Our Kartavya is to ensure every family, community, and sector has access to resources, amenities and opportunities," the Union finance minister said presenting the Union Budget.Various reforms, including GST, labour codes, and quality control order, have been rolled out since August 15. Presenting the Budget for 2026-27, Sitharaman said the government will ensure the dividends of growth reach every farmer, scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, and youth.The government's Kartavya is to accelerate and sustain economic growth, fulfil aspirations of people, she said and emphasised that the Sankalp is to focus on poor, underprivileged and disadvantaged.The Budget 2026 outlines six core intervention areas to accelerate and sustain economic growth, marking a structured framework for manufacturing, infrastructure, and long-term stability. This focus on six defined pillars aims to strengthen emerging sectors, boost industrial capacity, and benefit MSMEs, urban regions, and future-ready biopharma industries.A structured three-Kartavya framework to accelerate economic growth, fulfill citizen aspirations, and ensure universal access to resources has also been announced in the Budget. This three-part approach aims to strengthen inclusivity and resilience, benefiting farmers, youth, women, disadvantaged groups, and every region through sustained reform momentum.