Ritwik Mehta is a policy researcher and founder of Niti Tantra, a youth-led policy think tank.
As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, expectations are being shaped by the Economic Survey’s projection of a steady growth trajectory alongside a call for deeper structural reforms. The Survey underscores the need to strengthen human capital, improve data systems and enhance institutional resilience — themes that are likely to influence fiscal priorities in the coming year.
One of the major developments on the horizon is the proposed inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national Census exercise, scheduled for 2027. For such a large-scale data effort to translate into effective welfare planning, significant investment in digital infrastructure and trained personnel will be essential. Technology-driven systems for data verification, privacy safeguards and real-time monitoring could improve accuracy and public trust in the process.
Climate vulnerability, particularly in flood-prone regions such as Assam, continues to pose long-term socio-economic challenges. While relief measures are routinely announced after disasters, there is growing consensus among policy experts that erosion and displacement require institutional solutions rooted in scientific river-basin management and permanent rehabilitation frameworks. A structured approach could reduce recurring humanitarian and economic losses.
Revitalising the rural economy, especially through greater participation of women, remains another critical area. Women account for a substantial share of agricultural labour, yet often lack land ownership, formal credit access and targeted incentives. Policy discussions increasingly focus on recognising women farmers through procurement benefits, training programmes and sector-specific missions, particularly in traditional industries such as tea, jute and silk that support large rural workforces.
For small and medium enterprises, easier access to manufacturing incentive schemes could play a significant role in boosting employment and exports. Lower entry thresholds, technology upgradation support and sector-focused interventions are frequently cited as ways to ensure that MSMEs benefit more directly from industrial policy initiatives.
Beyond economic growth, cultural preservation and regional capacity building also figure prominently in policy debates. Proposals range from increased funding for classical language digitisation and cultural outreach to leadership fellowships for students from under-represented regions. Similarly, investment in sports science, coaching infrastructure and talent development is seen as key to improving India’s global sporting performance.
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and digital industries has also renewed attention on workforce diversity. Initiatives aimed at training and incubating women in emerging technologies could help narrow existing gender gaps in high-skill sectors while strengthening the overall innovation ecosystem.
As Budget 2026 draws closer, the broader challenge for policymakers will be to balance fiscal discipline with long-term investments in resilience, inclusion and future-ready skills. While many of the ideas circulating in policy circles remain proposals rather than confirmed measures, they reflect a growing recognition that sustainable growth depends not only on headline economic numbers, but also on how widely its benefits are shared.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of Himalayan Post.