Union Budget 2026 Criticized: Former West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra has sharply criticized the Union Budget 2026, calling it “anti‑farmer, anti‑youth, and offering nothing for the middle class.” His remarks highlight concerns about inadequate support for agriculture, lack of job creation measures, and insufficient relief for salaried households.
🔎 Key Highlights of Amit Mitra’s Criticism
- Farmers ignored: Mitra argued that the budget failed to provide meaningful subsidies, MSP (Minimum Support Price) assurances, or rural credit expansion.
- Youth neglected: He emphasized the absence of large‑scale job creation programs, skill development initiatives, or targeted schemes for graduates.
- Middle class overlooked: According to him, there were no significant tax reliefs or incentives for salaried families struggling with inflation.
- Overall tone: He described the budget as “disconnected from ground realities,” suggesting it prioritizes corporate interests over common citizens.
📊 Broader Context of the Union Budget 2026
- Agriculture allocation: While funds were earmarked for infrastructure, critics argue direct farmer benefits were limited.
- Employment measures: The budget focused on digital economy and manufacturing, but lacked immediate job guarantees.
- Taxation: No major changes in income tax slabs, disappointing the middle class.
- Social sector: Spending on health and education increased modestly, but not enough to address post‑pandemic challenges.
🧑🌾 Union Budget 2026 Criticized: Impact on Farmers
- Rising input costs (fertilizers, fuel) remain unaddressed.
- No clear roadmap for MSP reforms.
- Limited investment in irrigation and crop insurance.
- Mitra warned this could deepen rural distress and migration.
👩🎓 Impact on Youth
- Unemployment rates among graduates remain high.
- Budget’s emphasis on AI and digital skilling seen as too narrow.
- Lack of immediate employment schemes like apprenticeships or public sector recruitment.
- Mitra argued this risks alienating young voters.
👨👩👧 Impact on Middle Class
- No tax relief despite rising inflation.
- Housing and education costs continue to burden families.
- Mitra said the middle class feels “ignored” compared to corporate beneficiaries.
🌍 Governance and Political Implications
- Opposition narrative: Mitra’s remarks strengthen opposition claims that the budget favors big business.
- Public perception: Farmers, youth, and salaried households may feel excluded.
- Electoral impact: Could influence upcoming state and national elections.
🌐 Global Comparisons
- USA: Budgets often include direct tax credits for families.
- EU: Agricultural subsidies remain central to policy.
- India: Critics argue the 2026 budget lacks similar direct support mechanisms.
📌 Government Resources for Reference
- Government of India Budget Portal:
https://www.indiabudget.gov.in(indiabudget.gov.in in Bing) - Supreme Court of India:
https://main.sci.gov.in(main.sci.gov.in in Bing) - Ministry of Finance: https://finmin.nic.in
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: https://agricoop.nic.in
- Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship: https://msde.gov.in
✅ Conclusion
The Union Budget 2026 has sparked sharp criticism from Amit Mitra, who labeled it “anti‑farmer, anti‑youth, and nothing for the middle class.” His remarks reflect broader concerns about whether the budget adequately addresses India’s pressing challenges—rural distress, youth unemployment, and middle‑class inflation. For citizens, the debate underscores a key question: does the budget prioritize inclusive growth, or does it tilt toward corporate interests at the expense of everyday households?
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