Budget Session 2026 LIVE: Nirmala Sitharaman Tables Economic Survey in Lok Sabha — 10 Key Highlights
Budget Session 2026 LIVE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tables the Economic Survey of India in Lok Sabha
The Budget Session 2026 officially kicked off with a major development as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey of India 2026 in the Lok Sabha. The Economic Survey serves as the government’s annual report card on the state of the Indian economy and sets the tone for the upcoming Union Budget 2026.
As lawmakers, economists, investors, and citizens closely follow the proceedings, the Economic Survey offers critical insights into India’s GDP growth, inflation trends, fiscal deficit, employment, manufacturing performance, digital economy expansion, and global trade outlook.
This year’s survey arrives at a pivotal time, as India navigates global economic uncertainties, rising geopolitical tensions, evolving technology sectors, and ambitious domestic growth targets.
The Economic Survey is an annual document prepared by the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) and the Ministry of Finance. It reviews the economic performance of the previous financial year and outlines policy priorities for the year ahead.
Key objectives of the Economic Survey:
- Assess India’s economic health
- Provide growth forecasts
- Analyze sector-wise performance
- Recommend reforms
- Support policy decisions for the Union Budget
It acts as a blueprint for economic planning and offers insights into challenges and opportunities shaping India’s future.
As Parliament convened for the Budget Session 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey in the Lok Sabha, marking the formal start of Budget-related discussions.
Members of Parliament across party lines are expected to debate the survey’s findings, question policy priorities, and shape the narrative leading into the Union Budget announcement.
The survey reflects the government’s economic vision, focusing on sustainable growth, fiscal discipline, digital transformation, job creation, green energy, infrastructure investment, and innovation-led development.
📈 GDP Growth Forecast
The Economic Survey projects India’s GDP growth at 6.5% to 7.2% in FY2026, positioning India as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally.
💰 Inflation Trends
- Inflation expected to remain moderate and stable
- Food inflation remains a key concern
- RBI’s monetary policy credited for stabilizing price pressures
🏦 Fiscal Deficit Status
- Fiscal deficit projected to decline gradually
- Government reiterates commitment to fiscal consolidation
- Focus on efficient spending and revenue generation
🏭 Manufacturing Sector
The survey highlights steady recovery in manufacturing, boosted by:
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes
- Growth in electronics, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals
- Rising domestic production under Make in India
🏗️ Infrastructure & Capital Expenditure
India’s infrastructure push remains a top priority, with record investments in:
- Roads & highways
- Railways modernization
- Smart cities
- Ports and logistics
- Housing & urban development
🌾 Agriculture & Rural Economy
Key findings include:
- Improved agricultural productivity
- Focus on crop diversification
- Expansion of agri-tech and irrigation
- Continued support for farmers through subsidies and MSP
💻 Digital Economy & Technology
The survey underscores India’s leadership in:
- Digital payments
- FinTech
- Startup ecosystem
- AI, deep tech, and semiconductor manufacturing
- Digital public infrastructure such as UPI, Aadhaar, and ONDC
The Economic Survey highlights job creation, skill development, and workforce modernization as key priorities.
Key points:
- Rise in formal employment
- Growing gig and freelance economy
- Push for women workforce participation
- Expansion of skill training programs
- Youth employment remains a critical focus
The report calls for stronger collaboration between industry, academia, and government to build a future-ready workforce.
🌍 Exports & Imports
India’s exports showed resilience amid global slowdown, with strong performance in:
- Pharmaceuticals
- IT services
- Engineering goods
- Chemicals
- Electronics
🤝 Free Trade Agreements & Diplomacy
The survey highlights India’s growing role in global trade, citing:
- India-EU FTA progress
- Strengthening ties with ASEAN, Middle East, and Africa
- Supply chain diversification away from China
The Economic Survey places strong emphasis on sustainability and climate resilience.
🌱 Green Growth Priorities:
- Renewable energy expansion
- Electric vehicles adoption
- Green hydrogen mission
- Carbon market development
- Sustainable urban planning
India reiterates its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 while balancing development needs.
The survey reports improved financial stability, noting:
- Decline in non-performing assets (NPAs)
- Strong capital adequacy in banks
- Rise in digital banking adoption
- Expansion of credit to MSMEs
It also emphasizes the importance of fintech innovation and financial inclusion.
🏥 Healthcare
The government reports improvements in:
- Healthcare infrastructure
- Digital health services
- Insurance coverage
- Public health outcomes
🎓 Education
Key initiatives highlighted include:
- NEP 2020 implementation
- Digital classrooms
- Higher education expansion
- Research and innovation funding
India’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, with:
- Increased venture capital funding
- Rise in unicorn startups
- Support through Startup India and Digital India initiatives
- Focus on innovation in biotech, fintech, and climate tech
The survey encourages further regulatory simplification to foster entrepreneurship.
The Economic Survey highlights progress in:
- Poverty reduction
- Financial inclusion
- Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)
- Housing for all
- Sanitation and drinking water access
It emphasizes inclusive growth that benefits rural communities, women, and marginalized groups.
The survey also flags several economic risks, including:
- Global recession threats
- Geopolitical conflicts
- Supply chain disruptions
- Climate-related disasters
- Energy price volatility
It recommends strengthening economic resilience and domestic self-reliance.
Following the tabling of the survey:
- Ruling party leaders praised economic progress
- Opposition questioned inflation, unemployment, and income inequality
- Heated debates expected in coming days
Political analysts believe the Economic Survey will shape narratives leading into Union Budget 2026.
Economists Say:
- Growth outlook remains strong
- Fiscal discipline is improving
- Structural reforms are paying off
- Long-term investment in infrastructure and technology is critical
Industry Leaders Say:
- The survey boosts investor confidence
- Encourages private sector participation
- Supports manufacturing and exports
Based on Economic Survey signals, the Budget may focus on:
- Infrastructure spending
- Tax reforms
- MSME support
- Job creation programs
- Green energy incentives
- Digital transformation
- Startup and innovation funding
The survey impacts:
- Tax policies
- Fuel and commodity prices
- Job opportunities
- Education and healthcare spending
- Business and startup environment
- Cost of living and economic stability
It shapes policies that influence households, businesses, farmers, professionals, and investors.
Over the next few days:
- MPs will debate Economic Survey findings
- Finance Ministry will prepare for Budget presentation
- Policy announcements and political reactions will intensify
Citizens and markets will closely watch Budget Day for major reforms and financial decisions.
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