Union Budget 2026-27: Mixed Reactions on Health, Growth, and Inclusion

The Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has received mixed reactions from different sectors.

While some praise it as balanced and growth-oriented, others criticize it for neglecting key areas like health and education.

The health sector saw a nominal increase in allocation, but when adjusted for inflation, it was only a 3.5% rise, which is less than what was spent in 2020-21.

Important health programs like the National Health Mission faced cuts, while schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) saw increased funding despite criticisms of its effectiveness.

In education, states like Telangana and Kerala expressed disappointment as no new Indian Institute of Management or Central University was announced for them.

Farmers in Punjab and Haryana were also unhappy as the budget did not address their key concerns like minimum support price (MSP) and agricultural infrastructure.

The budget was praised by some as visionary and people-centric, but others, especially from non-BJP ruled states, expressed disappointment and criticism.

The budget also focused on manufacturing, exports, and infrastructure, with significant allocations for sectors like biopharma, electronics, and urban development.

However, public health experts and civil society groups demanded a clear roadmap to raise public health spending and strengthen primary care.