Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Calls for Job-Focused Budget Ahead of Presentation
Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor stated on Sunday that the upcoming Union Budget would be closely scrutinized for concrete measures to convert projected economic growth into meaningful employment opportunities. He stressed that economic expansion without corresponding job creation would fail to benefit the nation's youth.
Emphasis on Employment Generation Amid Growth Projections
Speaking ahead of the Budget presentation, Tharoor highlighted that while the Economic Survey indicates promising economic growth, the critical question remains whether this growth will be accompanied by sufficient job generation. "We are all looking forward to hearing what the finance minister has to tell us. The Economic Survey projects good economic growth… Whether that growth is going to be accompanied by jobs?" Tharoor remarked.
He further elaborated that jobless growth does not serve the interests of the country, particularly its young population. "Jobless growth doesn’t help anyone. So, we are anxious to see what kind of schemes they have in mind to generate more jobs in this country for young people of India," he added.
Key Expectations from Budget 2026
Tharoor identified employment generation as a primary expectation from the Budget, especially given the robust growth prospects flagged in the Economic Survey. He noted that this focus is crucial for translating macroeconomic indicators into tangible benefits for citizens.
Beyond employment, the Congress MP pointed out that states would also be monitoring the Budget closely for allocations and benefits from the Centre. Referring specifically to Kerala, Tharoor mentioned that upcoming elections would heighten expectations. "We in Kerala, with an election coming up, are looking to see what benefits the Central government might give us," he stated.
Historic Budget Presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget amidst widespread anticipation of policy measures aimed at sustaining economic growth while addressing employment concerns and implementing reforms. This Budget presentation marks a historic occasion as it will be delivered on a Sunday for the first time.
Additionally, this will be Sitharaman's record ninth consecutive Budget presentation, underscoring her tenure and experience in fiscal management. The Budget speech is scheduled to commence at 11:00 AM, with stakeholders across the nation awaiting details on key initiatives.
The Budget is expected to balance growth-oriented policies with social welfare schemes, particularly focusing on sectors that can drive employment. As Tharoor emphasized, the effectiveness of the Budget will largely depend on its ability to create job opportunities and support the aspirations of India's youth.
