FM Sitharaman: ‘Reform Express’ to Drive Government’s Duty in Budget 2026
In her recent Budget 2026 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined key strategies to enhance the government’s governance framework. Dubbed the “Reform Express,” the initiative aims to bolster economic growth and efficiency in various sectors.
The Reform Express: A Commitment to Progress
During her ninth consecutive Budget presentation, FM Sitharaman emphasized that the Reform Express is positioned to maintain its momentum. She stated that the government’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities is unwavering. Since the Prime Minister’s address on Independence Day in 2025, over 350 reforms have been initiated to foster employment, productivity, and economic growth.
Key Areas of Focus
The Finance Minister identified several critical areas for intervention:
- Scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors.
- Rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors.
- Creating champion Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Delivering enhanced infrastructure initiatives.
- Ensuring long-term economic security and stability.
- Developing city economic regions.
FM Sitharaman underscored the necessity of sustaining structural reforms. She highlighted the importance of a resilient financial sector in efficiently mobilizing savings and managing risks. Additionally, she noted that cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, could serve as vital enhancers of governance.
The Role of the Finance Commission
In a significant development, the Finance Minister presented the 16th Finance Commission report to the Lok Sabha. This report was chaired by Arvind Panagariya, the former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog. The commission comprises notable members, including:
- Annie George Mathew, former bureaucrat.
- Manoj Panda, economist.
- Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Chief Economic Advisor of SBI Group.
- T. Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of RBI.
These strategic undertakings emphasize the government’s commitment to reform and the necessity of collaboration between central and state authorities. As the nation advances toward its goals, the Reform Express is set to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic landscape.
