From the Middle Class to Farmers: 10 Major Announcements in Budget 2025-26

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting the Budget 2025-26 speech today, February 1. Several important announcements have been made in this budget for everyone, from farmers to taxpayers. Let’s take a look at the 10 key highlights from the Finance Minister’s budget speech:

1. Relief for Taxpayers: The Finance Minister announced that individuals with an income of up to 12 lakh rupees will no longer be taxed, providing significant relief to taxpayers.
2. Expansion of Interest Subsidy Scheme for Kisan Credit Cards (KCC): The limit for the interest subsidy scheme for farmers has been increased from 3 lakh rupees to 5 lakh rupees.
3. Prime Minister’s Dhan Dhany Krishi Yojana: Under this scheme, 100 districts with low crop yield, modern crop intensity, and lower-than-average loan criteria will be included. This will benefit 1.7 crore farmers.
4. New Income Tax Bill: The government will present a new income tax bill next week, which will promote the concept of “trust first, then audit.” Additionally, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector will be raised from 74% to 100%.
5. Establishment of ‘Day Care’ Cancer Centers: The government will set up ‘Day Care’ cancer centers in all district hospitals within the next three years, with 200 centers being established in this financial year.
6. Health Facilities for Gig Workers: Under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), health facilities will be provided to gig workers.
7. Increase in Medical College Seats: 75,000 additional seats will be added in medical colleges over the next five years, with 10,000 extra seats to be added in medical colleges and hospitals in the next year.
8. Making India a Hub for Toys: India will be established as a major hub for toys globally.
9. Establishment of a Makhana Board: A Makhana Board will be set up to increase the income of people in Bihar.
10. Finance Minister’s Eighth Budget: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her eighth budget using a digital tablet wrapped in the traditional ‘bahi-khata’ style. This budget is the 14th consecutive budget under the Narendra Modi government, including the interim budgets of 2019 and 2024.