Budget draws mixed reactions from common people

The Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday (February 1) received mixed reactions from the public, reflecting both hope and concern.

“From a youth perspective, the Yuva Shakti-focused Budget is in line with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, with a strong emphasis on skills and employment in emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, automation, robotics and quantum technologies,” says PV Radhika, consultant psychologist from the city of Vijayawada.

The proposed Education-Employment Committee says that although initiatives such as the promotion of the Orange Economy (AVGC sector) and the establishment of five University Boroughs aim to expand employment opportunities, concerns remain about effective implementation, especially in rural areas. There are concerns about the availability of trained mentors and whether disadvantaged and first-generation students will truly benefit, he says, adding that increased scholarships, simplified tuition credits, upskilling of teachers, and campus-level mental health support are seen as critical gaps, especially in the context of rising student stress and suicides.

Women like C. Jayasree, a homemaker from Gurunanak Colony in Vijayawada, feel that the Budget only partially addresses their concerns. “With prices rising, expectations were high for wider relief on essential household goods, but discounts are limited to a few items such as synthetic footwear, textiles, microwave ovens and LPG,” she says, complaining that the lack of stronger measures on savings and direct tax exemptions has disappointed many women who manage household finances. “While the push for Self-Help Group-based rural women entrepreneurship has been welcomed, demands related to children’s education costs, healthcare expenses and general ease of living remain largely unmet,” he laments.

At the same time, some citizens find the budget balanced and practical. “The focus on job creation, MSMEs, manufacturing and agriculture, as well as attention to farmers, fishermen, women and youth, offers a sense of direction,” says S. Rambabu, a teacher at a private school. He says relief on medicines, especially for cancer and rare diseases, is a significant support for middle- and lower-income families and asserts that despite ongoing worries about inflation and daily expenses, there is cautious optimism that the budget is moving towards growth, stability and long-term economic resilience.

Many see the budget as a visionary roadmap with positive intentions, but insist its success will depend on how effectively it turns promises into action, especially for young people, women and ordinary households grappling with rising costs and employment uncertainty.