Budget 2026 Shifts Focus from Rights to Duties

FM Sitharaman outlines ‘Kartavya Kaal’ vision for Viksit Bharat 2047

February 1, 2026: In her historic ninth consecutive Union Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman marked a decisive shift in India’s policy narrative—from a rights-based framework to a duty-based approach. Presenting the Budget for 2026–27 from the newly inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan, she described the moment as the beginning of “Kartavya Kaal” (the Era of Duty), anchored by a firm sankalp to empower the poor, underprivileged and disadvantaged sections of society as India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Sitharaman outlined three foundational ‘Kartavyas’ to guide the country’s progress. The first focuses on accelerating and sustaining economic growth by improving competitiveness and productivity, ensuring India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy amid global uncertainties. The second centres on fulfilling people’s aspirations by building skills and individual capacity, positioning citizens as active partners in national development. The third duty emphasises equitable access, aligning with the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, to ensure that growth reaches every region, community and family.

Highlighting the Budget’s inclusive thrust, the Finance Minister described it as a “Yuva Shakti-driven Budget,” aimed at converting economic momentum into jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth. Targeted measures were announced to boost rural prosperity, agricultural productivity and MSMEs, while universal access to essential services such as healthcare and housing was reaffirmed as a priority. Together, these initiatives seek to ensure that the benefits of growth are widely shared and reach the last mile.