Budget draws mixed reactions from common people

The Union Budget sparks mixed public reactions, highlighting optimism for growth alongside concerns over implementation and unmet needs in education and relief.

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

“From a youth perspective, the Yuva Shakti-driven Budget aligns with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, placing strong emphasis on skilling and employment in emerging sectors like Artificial Intelligence, automation, robotics and quantum technologies,” says P.V. Radhika, a counselling psychologist from Vijayawada city.

She says that though initiatives like the proposed Education-to-Employment Committee, promotion of the Orange Economy (AVGC sector), and the establishment of five University Townships aim to expand employment opportunities, concerns remain about effective implementation, especially in rural areas. There are worries about the availability of trained mentors and whether disadvantaged and first-generation learners will truly benefit, she says, adding that increased scholarships, simplified education loans, teacher upskilling and campus-level mental health support are seen as critical gaps, particularly in the context of rising student stress and suicides.

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

At the same time, some citizens view the Budget as balanced and practical. “The focus on job creation, MSMEs, manufacturing and agriculture along with attention to farmers, fisherfolk, women and youth offers a sense of direction,” says S. Rambabu, a teacher in 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 others see the budget as a visionary roadmap with positive intent, but insist that its success will depend on how effectively it translates promises into action, especially for youth, women, and ordinary households grappling with rising costs and employment uncertainty.