Union Budget 2026 leaves middle-class families cautiously smiling

Typical family from suburbs hails taxpayer-friendly Union Budget for urban infra fund allocation, forward-looking provisions

‘The budget left us smiling’: How Mumbaikars read Union Budget 2026

(From left) Arjun Taula, Lt Col Satpal Singh (Retd), Bharthi Singh, Vardan Singh, Divakar Kulkarni, Sharada Kulkarni, Mohan Grover, Jyothi Taula, Arthi Grover, and Arun Taula at their residence. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

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‘The budget left us smiling’: How Mumbaikars read Union Budget 2026

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Perusing the Union Budget 2026 is akin to gazing through a kaleidoscope, in which the usual factors, such as agriculture, healthcare, rural, and urban development — along with taxation and compliance — and newer aspects like Artificial Intelligence, space research, and sustainable green energy co-exist in a colourful collage — unitedly embodying the visionary ‘Make in India’ mantra, as India eyes a five-trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

To gain insights into the budget and take stock of hits and misses that would ultimately reflect on the Viksit Bharat’s economy, which is eyeing the top three slots globally despite US sanctions and a volatile situation looming large over the sub-continent, mid-day spoke to members of a family in the western suburbs, who shed light on its impact on the average Mumbaikar.

‘The government has shown its intent to ease the hassles faced by taxpayers by simplifying norms and language, but at the same time, as per estimates, only a tiny percentage of the population pays taxes, though everyone wants good infrastructure and amenities. This is an alarming trend and, hopefully, with the proposed changes, the figures will improve. As a freshman in the corporate world, I would personally want to see more startups that meet global standards, both in technology and skilled manpower.’
Arjun Taula, corporate firm employee

‘Veterans who actively engage with MSME schemes, reskilling programmes and infrastructure projects will benefit. The increased defence allocation outlays better pension security and sustained welfare schemes. It emphasises defence modernisation and manufacturing, along with skill development and entrepreneurship support, which can open jobs for veterans. This budget honours our service while fuelling second careers —truly a Viksit Bharat win! Jai Hind!’
Lt Col Satpal Singh (retd) corporate firm employee

‘The 2026 Budget left me smiling! Digital training hubs and women’s skilling programmes mean sharper IT skills and career growth. This budget boosts families like ours. The finance minister, in her speech, rightly pointed out that tier 2 and 3 cities, as well as religious sites, are the key drivers of India’s economic growth and the proposal for seven high-speed rail corridors and twenty national waterways will not only boost connectivity, but also bridge the urban-rural gap. I only hope that the environmental factors are not ignored.’
Bharthi Singh, corporate firm employee

‘The Budget’s AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) labs in 15,000 schools are a game-changer for me. The students can now learn game design and Esports hands-on, blending it with business skills like starting an indie gaming startup via youth funds. This budget fuels my dream career… I can’t wait to dive in and build the next big Indian game!’
Vardan Singh, Std IX student

‘No government can offer instant development on a platter, but it is evident that the government is keen to see the country become a global artificial intelligence hub. For this, our basic education system has to be analysed and made futuristic. A lot has changed from the time when I was active in the education sector, but I would like to see a quantum shift in the field, which is not restricted to schools in modern cities but also to rural India, which should also concentrate on incorporating new technologies in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry.’
Divakar Kulkarni, retired headmaster

‘As an avid traveller, I am happy that international tour packages will be more pocket-friendly. There has been a great improvement in the hospitality industry, which is not only creating jobs for locals but also witnessing an inflow of skilled workers from as far as the North East region. More tourist destinations have to be created with the help of professionals from the field, both at the national and state levels.’
Mohan Grover, Std X student

‘A general sentiment shared by the majority of the taxpayers is that they are not getting enough in return. Even for a vibrant city like Mumbai, which is referred to as the financial capital, it took ages to get a Metro, which is still not fully functional but has already changed the way we travel. I would like to see newer, well-planned megacities with the best infrastructure so that the youth of the country do not aspire to work and settle abroad. The lesser the brain drain, the better our domestic skilled workforce in the fields of medicine, computers, technology, and AI.’
Jyothi Taula, financial planner

‘The allocation of Rs 5000 crore over five years for the development of urban infrastructure and amenities, if utilised correctly, will be a game-changer, potentially developing a whole new ecosystem. New jobs in diverse fields will mean that the skilled and unskilled youth from smaller townships need not leave their families and move into cities that are already struggling with their own set of challenges, not to mention the high cost of living and mental stress.’
Arthi Grover, interior designer

‘With zero increase in personal tax, take-home income has been unaffected. This is a big relief for the salaried class, who are already burdened with rising day-to-day expenses, house rent, kids’ education, and more. Steady domestic consumption and manufacturing are just the right mix for the creation of high-skill jobs, which will, in the long run, not only prove beneficial for the youth but also boost imports. But for this to happen, the authorities must ensure single-ticket windows are opened for all sectors to cut red tape and reduce difficulties in obtaining the requisite permissions.’
Arun Taula, proprietor/financial planner

What the budget says on Income Tax

>> More time to revise tax returns, for a fee, of course
>> People with ITR-1 and ITR-2 forms can file returns till July 31
>> People can update returns even after completion of reassessment proceedings