Budget 2026: Sitharaman sets 3 ‘Kartavya’ agenda for India's growth, inclusion and reform push

New Delhi: Laying out the government’s broader vision in the Union Budget 2026 on Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Centre’s sankalp remains firmly focused on the poor, underprivileged and disadvantaged, and announced a three-pronged framework of 'Kartavya' to guide policy action going forward.

Calling this the first Budget prepared at Kartavya Bhavan, the Finance Minister said the government is drawing inspiration from three core Kartavya aimed at strengthening India’s economic and social foundations amid global uncertainty.

“Our first Kartavya is to accelerate and sustain economic growth by enhancing productivity and competitiveness and building resilience to volatile global dynamics,” Sitharaman said in her Budget speech. She added that boosting efficiency and strengthening the economy’s ability to withstand external shocks will remain a key priority.


The second Kartavya, she said, focuses on people-centric development. “Our second Kartavya is to fulfil the aspirations of our people and build their capacity, making them strong partners in India’s path to prosperity,” the finance minister noted, underlining the emphasis on skill-building, employment and human capital.

The third Kartavya, aligned with the government’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, aims to ensure inclusive access to growth opportunities. “It is to ensure that every family, community, region and sector has access to resources, amenities and opportunities for meaningful participation,” she said.

Sitharaman said this threefold approach requires a supportive ecosystem, beginning with sustained momentum in structural reforms that are “continuous, adaptive and forward-looking”. She also highlighted the importance of a robust and resilient financial sector to mobilise savings, allocate capital efficiently and manage risks.

Emphasising technology-led governance, the finance minister said cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence applications, can act as multipliers for better governance and service delivery.

Referring to what she described as a “Reform Express”, Sitharaman said the government has undertaken comprehensive reforms to create employment, boost productivity and accelerate growth. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Independence Day in 2025, more than 350 reforms have been rolled out so far.

“These include GST simplification, notification of labour codes and rationalisation of mandatory quality control orders,” she said, adding that high-level committees have been set up while the Centre is working closely with states to reduce compliance burdens and push deregulation.

“The reform express is well on its way and will maintain its momentum to help us fulfil our duties,” the finance minister said, before moving on to specific Budget proposals.