Budget 2026: What To Expect

For the current financial year ending 31 March, the scheme was allocated around ₹16,000 crore. The proposed increase comes as power distribution companies remain under strain, saddled with cumulative debt of over ₹7 trillion, despite multiple government efforts to bolster their financial health.

The plan entails a makeover of NCDC by setting up five new regional offices, 20 new metropolitan surveillance units, and 27 new state regional centres of India's apex public health institute.

A proposed allocation of ₹1.51 trillion for VB-G RAM G has been made for the coming financial year, of which ₹95,600 crore will be contributed by the Centre.

Despite the best intentions of India's Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules, its stray dog population has ballooned, accompanied by soaring cases of dogbites and rabies. Now a solution may be in sight, with federal funding for mass dog sterilization. Will it work?

The first Union budget after the US tariffs rocked global trade last year is expected to offer targeted subsidies and funds to raise the quality and competitiveness of manufacturers, small businesses and exporters.

The Centre is considering a ₹28,000 crore allocation for food processing schemes PMFME and PMKSY to improve farmers' incomes and reduce post-harvest losses. The plan includes enhancing credit-linked subsidies and modern infrastructure to support farm growth and job creation.

In response to global scrutiny, the Indian government will likely announce plans to set up new drug testing labs and increase regulatory manpower in the budget.

Investor interest in India's sovereign green bonds declined, prompting the government to consider tax rebates for buyers in the upcoming FY27 budget. The current fiscal year has seen low subscriptions, leading to changes in targets and potential strategies to improve liquidity for green projects.

To address urban infrastructure challenges, the Indian government is developing a plan to give municipalities greater financial autonomy, focusing on enhancing local revenue sources and encouraging market-based financing through municipal bonds for sustainable urban development.

Support for AI-based crop monitoring, yield forecasting and early warning systems could help reduce losses and improve planning at both farm and policy levels.