Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has clearly conveyed in the 2026 Budget that the country's villages, the poor, and farmers are at the top of the government's priorities. A glance at the budget clearly shows that the government treasury has been opened for schemes that directly impact the lives of the common man. The government has allocated substantial funds for everything from employment to medical treatment and rations.

The government has placed the largest bid on VB-G Ram Ji.
The biggest headline of this budget relates to rural employment. The government has allocated the largest portion of the budget to 'VB-G Ram Ji' (formerly known as MNREGA). A massive allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore has been made for it. Compared to last year's original budget of ₹86,000 crore, this represents a significant jump.

The government didn't stop there; a separate allocation of ₹30,000 crore has been made for the MNREGA program component. This directly means increased employment opportunities in villages. This is a welcome relief for laborers who wandered in search of work or families in need of financial support. Furthermore, this will accelerate the development of small-scale infrastructure in villages.

Food-based food worries are over, major budget provision
The free ration scheme, which began after the pandemic, has now become an essential part of the lives of poor families. To ensure food security, the government has decided to spend ₹2,27,429 crore on the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).

This figure is significantly higher than last year's budget of ₹2.03 lakh crore. Expenditures were also increased in the revised estimates, but this year's allocation shows that the government is determined to ensure that no poor family in the country faces any shortage of rations. Free or subsidized food grains will continue to be provided to millions of families.

What did the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi provide this time?
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) is a major support for small and marginal farmers struggling with farming expenses. ₹63,500 crore has been allocated for this scheme in the Budget 2026. This amount remains the same as last year.

Although there has been no increase, this stability is important for farmers. This assistance, which comes directly into their bank accounts, plays a major role in meeting fertilizer, seeds, and other small farming expenses. The government has ensured that this financial security for farmers continues uninterrupted.

How much did the treasury spend on Ayushman Bharat?
The cost of illness can be devastating for any middle-income or poor family. The government has allocated ₹9,500 crore for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which addresses this concern. This is a slight increase from last year's revised estimate (Rs 8,995 crore). The scheme aims to provide free treatment to the poor and vulnerable in major hospitals.

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