Readers are asking: Will the Budget 2026 really improve our lives?
The answer is a mixed bag. While the budget has introduced several big-ticket schemes, experts say it falls short on social spending.
Prime Minister’s vision of a New India seems to be stuck in neutral, with a huge gap between promises and actual spending on social welfare.
Big Schemes, Bigger Gaps
The government has announced an increase in allocation for several important sectors, including education, healthcare, and rural development.
But when you dig deeper, it becomes clear that these schemes are not accompanied by a corresponding increase in spending on the ground.
For instance, the allocation for education has increased by 10%, but the actual spending remains stagnant.
This is despite the fact that India’s education system is in dire need of a revamp.
The budget has also failed to address the pressing issue of unemployment, which is one of the biggest challenges facing the country.
The government’s schemes for job creation are mere drops in the ocean, and experts say they will not have a significant impact on the ground.
The biggest disappointment is the lack of focus on social welfare.
The government has not increased allocation for schemes like the Mid-Day Meal Programme, which is a critical initiative to ensure that children get a nutritious meal at school.
Similarly, the allocation for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which aims to provide housing to the urban poor, has been reduced.
This is a huge setback for the millions of people living in slums and informal settlements.
The government has also failed to address the issue of inequality, which is one of the biggest challenges facing the country.
The budget has not introduced any new schemes to address the issue of inequality, and the existing schemes are not being implemented effectively.
This is a major concern, as inequality is a major obstacle to India’s growth and development.
What’s Next?
So what does this mean for us? The answer is simple: the Budget 2026 is a missed opportunity to address the pressing issues facing the country.
The government needs to go back to the drawing board and come up with a more comprehensive plan to address the social welfare of the people.
Only then can we say that the Prime Minister’s vision of a New India is on track.