People say they are disappointed with the price cut being limited to a few products such as synthetic footwear, textiles, microwave ovens and LPG. | Photo credit: Representative image
The Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, February 1, drew mixed reactions from the public, reflecting both hope and apprehension.
“From a youth perspective, the Yuva Shakti-led budget is in line with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and has a strong emphasis on skills and employment in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and quantum technologies,” says PV Radhika, a counseling psychologist from Vijayawada.
He says that while initiatives such as the proposed Education-to-Employment Committee, the promotion of the Orange Economy (AVGC sector) and the establishment of five university campuses 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 actually benefit, he says, adding that increased scholarships, simplified student loans, teacher training and campus-level mental health support are seen as critical gaps, especially in the context of rising student stress and suicide.
Women like C. Jayasree, a housewife from Gurunanak Colony in Vijayawada, feel that the budget only partially addresses their concerns. “With rising prices, expectations for wider relief on household essentials were high, but the relief is limited to a few products such as synthetic footwear, textiles, microwave ovens and LPG gas,” she says, lamenting that the absence of stricter savings measures and exemptions from direct taxes has disappointed many women managing household finances. “While the push for entrepreneurship by rural women based on Self-Help Group is welcome, demands related to children’s education costs, health care costs and overall simplicity of life remain largely unfulfilled,” she laments.
At the same time, some citizens consider the budget to be balanced and practical. “The focus on employment generation, small and medium enterprises, manufacturing and agriculture, along with attention to farmers, fishermen, women and youth, offers a sense of direction,” says S. Rambabu, a teacher at a private school. He says drug relief, particularly for cancer and rare diseases, is a significant boost for middle- and lower-income families, and says despite lingering concerns about inflation and day-to-day spending, there is cautious optimism that the budget is on track for growth, stability and long-term economic resilience.
Many others see the budget as a visionary plan with positive intent, but insist its success will depend on how effectively it turns promises into action, particularly for young people, women and ordinary households who are struggling with rising costs and job insecurity.
Published – 01 Feb 2026 21:24 IST