The Union Budget 2025-26 sets out to address a range of economic challenges, from reviving growth to bolstering social welfare. However, beneath the ambitious rhetoric lies a stark reality: allocations for crucial sectors do not align with the pressing needs of the economy. While the government has taken steps to provide relief to the middle class through income tax cuts, the broader macroeconomic approach remains tilted towards supply side interventions, Economic slowdown, rising unemployment, and persistent inflation are interlinked problems that demand targeted interventions. The budget speech emphasised inclusive growth, investment in key sectors, and support for agriculture and MSMEs, yet the actual allocations tell a different story.

Sectors like rural employment, education, health, and urban development, which directly impact demand generation, have seen either negligible increases or real-term cuts. This raises concerns about whether the budget will truly spur economic revival. One of the key........

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