​Self-reliance is the main principle of the economic strategy of the central government: Nirmala Sitharaman!

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that self-reliance is the main principle of the economic strategy of the central government and in this budget the focus has been on increasing domestic manufacturing capacity.

Discussing the Union Budget 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the Rajya Sabha that the focus of the budget is on expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and ensuring the energy security of the country. It also helps in making citizens self-reliant.

The Finance Minister said in Parliament that measures aimed at making life easier, creating employment, increasing agricultural productivity and increasing household purchasing power are part of this vision.

He further said that the budget has come at such a rare ‘Goldilocks moment’ when the country’s economy remains strong and the inflation rate is at a low level.

This Goldilocks moment has not come about by luck, but because of the government’s sustained efforts, careful planning and timely policy decisions.

The Finance Minister said, “As per the first advance estimates released by the National Statistical Office, India’s real GDP growth is estimated at 7.4 per cent for 2025-26, while the nominal growth rate is estimated at around 8 per cent.”

Highlighting the steps to develop human capital, the Finance Minister said that the government has set a target of producing one lakh allied health professionals in the next five years.

“An outlay of Rs 1,000 crore has been provided for this initiative in the current year. This step will not only generate jobs but will also strengthen health services and help in the development of medical tourism,” the minister said.

Sitharaman also announced the formation of a high-level education-to-employment and enterprise standing committee.

The committee will focus on preparing India’s youth for the services sector, with the goal of capturing 10 percent of the global services market by 2047.

“Key areas of focus will include IT, fintech, logistics, healthcare, tourism and creative services,” he said.