Finance Minister to Present Ninth Consecutive Budget
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament today. This marks her ninth consecutive budget. As usual, attention is on major announcements that could impact how Indians save, invest, and spend. Meanwhile, citizens have shared their expectations on social media and with news agencies. Many highlighted key areas such as tax reforms, GST corrections, and employment generation.
Public Demands GST Reforms and Tax Relief
Several business leaders and investors urged reforms in GST and other taxes. For instance, Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath suggested reducing the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) to ease trading. Moreover, X users echoed this view, calling for removal or reduction of the Long Term Capital Gains Tax (LTCG) and lower Short Term Capital Gains Tax (STCG). Additionally, one user proposed increasing the standard deduction to ₹1 lakh to reduce the financial burden on salaried individuals.
Youth and Employment at the Forefront
Alongside tax reforms, young citizens emphasized the need for employment opportunities. A student from Rajasthan told IANS that the government should introduce schemes creating jobs for youth and women. Furthermore, business owners from Uttar Pradesh highlighted GST as a critical area for reform. They explained that correcting errors and simplifying compliance could foster a conducive environment for trade and entrepreneurship across the country.
Public Expectations Shape Budget 2026 Narrative
As Budget 2026-27 approaches, public expectations are shaping discussions on economic priorities. Citizens call for a balance between easing tax burdens, boosting investments, and generating jobs. Analysts suggest that focusing on these areas could strengthen India’s business climate and provide relief to taxpayers. In addition, widespread attention on reforms, employment schemes, and investor-friendly policies makes Budget 2026 pivotal for India’s economic strategy in the coming year.
