Union Budget 2025-26: The Common Man’s View

As the Union Budget 2025-26 will be announced tomorrow, the common man, or the ‘Aam Aadmi,’ has mixed feelings of hope, concern, and expectations. A budget is not just about numbers—it affects the daily lives of millions of people. It influences everything from taxes to jobs, rising prices to government welfare programs. It plays a big role in shaping the financial well-being of middle-class families, salaried employees, small business owners, and daily wage earners.

1. Tax Relief: A Welcome Change?

One of the biggest concerns for people is tax relief. The government has increased the standard deduction for salaried individuals from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, which is helpful. However, many feel that a bigger tax cut or raising the basic exemption limit to ₹5 lakh would have been better. Small business owners and traders still struggle with complex GST rules. People hope the government will simplify tax filing and make compliance easier, especially for freelancers and small businesses.

2. Rising Prices and Cost of Living: A Worry

One of the biggest struggles for ordinary people is rising prices. The government’s focus on controlling food prices by giving farmers more support and improving storage facilities is a good step. However, people are still worried about the high cost of essentials like vegetables, pulses, and dairy products. Fuel prices are another big issue. While the government has tried to stabilize them, many feel that reducing taxes on petrol and diesel would have been a better way to provide immediate relief.

3. Jobs and Employment: Are There Enough Opportunities?

For young job seekers and professionals, finding good jobs is a top concern. The expansion of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to more industries, along with investments in infrastructure and support for small businesses, should create more jobs. However, many young people still struggle with low salaries and a lack of good job opportunities. People hope that skill development programs and support for startups will lead to better employment options.

4. Healthcare and Education: A Mixed Response

Since the pandemic, the demand for better healthcare services has increased. More government spending on healthcare, especially for Ayushman Bharat, is a positive move. However, public hospitals and rural healthcare centers still need major improvements.

In education, the increase in funding for the National Education Policy (NEP) is a good step. But parents remain worried about the rising cost of higher education. More scholarships and lower interest rates on education loans would have been helpful.

5. Support for Farmers: What’s in It for Them?

Farmers have different views on the budget. Increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and providing subsidies for modern equipment are positive changes. However, farmers still face issues like delays in selling their crops at fair prices. Many want more government support for organic farming and agricultural exports. People in rural areas are also looking forward to more jobs under government employment schemes and infrastructure projects.

6. Affordable Housing and Infrastructure: A Step Forward

The budget’s push for affordable housing under the PMAY scheme is good news for many people dreaming of owning a home. Those living in cities and small towns hope that easier home loans and lower interest rates will help them buy houses. Investments in roads, smart cities, and public transport are beneficial, but people are eager to see these projects improve their daily lives.

7. Women and Social Welfare: Is It Enough?

There are some good steps for women in this budget, like financial help for female entrepreneurs and self-help groups. More funding for maternal health and child welfare programs is another positive move. However, many feel that the government should focus more on creating job opportunities for women and ensuring their safety. A push for digital banking access for rural women is also expected to help with financial inclusion.

8. Digital Economy and Technology: A Step into the Future?

The government is focusing on digital payments, fintech startups, and AI-driven industries, which is seen as a positive move. However, people worry about data privacy and cybersecurity issues. Expanding 5G and better internet access in rural areas are welcome changes, but many believe that more digital literacy programs are needed so that everyone can benefit from new technology.

9. Fuel and Energy Prices: A Burden on Households

Even though the government is promoting renewable energy, fuel prices remain a problem for many families. People were hoping for a reduction in petrol and diesel prices through lower taxes, but this did not happen. While electric vehicles (EVs) are encouraged as a future solution, they remain expensive for the average person, and the charging infrastructure is still developing.

10. Overall Feelings: A Step Forward, But More Needs to Be Done

The common man sees the Union Budget 2025-26 as a mix of good and disappointing news. People appreciate tax relief, job creation efforts, and infrastructure development. However, they are still worried about rising prices, fuel costs, and healthcare accessibility. The real impact of the budget will depend on how well the policies are put into action. The Aam Aadmi hopes that the government will quickly implement the changes so that everyone can benefit and improve their lives.

By Vineet Mishra.