Budget 2026: Inflation, Tax And Unemployment In Common Man’s Wishlist

As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, anticipation runs high across India - not in boardrooms alone, but in kitchens, classrooms, kirana stores and crowded buses. For the common man, the Budget is not a statement of macroeconomic numbers; it is a measure of daily survival, future security and fragile aspirations. With inflation pinching household budgets and incomes struggling to keep pace, expectations this year are grounded less in grand promises and more in practical relief.

Relief From Rising Prices

At the top of the common man’s wish list is relief from inflation. Rising prices of essential commodities such as food grains, vegetables, cooking gas, and fuel have strained monthly budgets, particularly for low- and middle-income families. There is hope that the government will take steps to control price rise through better supply management, reduced indirect taxes on essentials and strengthened public distribution systems.

“Fuel prices remain a sensitive issue, as they directly impact transport costs and, in turn, the prices of almost all goods. A reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel is one of the most widely-voiced expectations, especially among daily commuters and small traders,” says Rajarshi Dasgupta, Executive Director - Tax, AQUILAW.

Tax Relief For The Middle Class

The salaried middle class, often described as the backbone of the economy, looks to the Budget for meaningful tax relief. With stagnant wages and increasing costs of housing, education and healthcare, taxpayers expect higher income tax exemption limits, enhanced standard deductions and rationalisation of tax slabs.

“There is also demand for greater incentives for savings, including higher limits on deductions for provident fund contributions, insurance premiums and home loan interest. Such measures, the common man believes, would provide breathing space while encouraging long-term financial discipline,” observes Dasgupta.

Employment And Income Security

Unemployment and underemployment remain major concerns, particularly for the youth. The common man expects the Budget to focus on job creation through increased investment in infrastructure, manufacturing and MSMEs. Small businesses, which employ a large section of the workforce, seek easier access to credit, simplified compliance and continued government support.

For those in the informal sector - daily wage workers, gig workers and self-employed individuals - there is hope for stronger social security measures, including health insurance coverage and pension schemes.

Affordable Healthcare And Education

The pandemic underscored the importance of a robust public healthcare system. Increased allocation to government hospitals, primary health centres and affordable medicines is a key expectation. Rising medical costs have pushed many families into debt, making healthcare reform a critical issue for the common man. Education, too, remains a priority. Parents hope for greater investment in government schools and colleges, digital infrastructure for learning, and affordable higher education loans. Skill development programmes aligned with market needs are also widely anticipated.

Support For Farmers And Rural India

For rural households, expectations revolve around fair crop prices, timely procurement and improved irrigation facilities. Farmers look for continued support through MSP mechanisms, crop insurance and subsidies for inputs such as fertilisers and electricity. Strengthening rural infrastructure - roads, storage facilities and digital connectivity - is seen as essential for boosting incomes and reducing migration to cities.

A Budget That Listens

“Ultimately, the common man does not expect miracles. What is hoped for is a Budget that listens - one that recognises the pressures of everyday life and responds with empathy and balance. A people-centric Budget, focused on affordability, opportunity and security, would go a long way in restoring confidence and optimism,” says Dasgupta.

As the Finance Minister rises to present the Union Budget 2026, millions of ordinary Indians will be listening closely, not for applause lines, but for assurances that their struggles and aspirations have found a place in the nation’s economic roadmap.