Budget 2026: Gen Z to Drive India's Future with Focus on Creators, Sports, Services

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27, aligning it with PM Modi's "Yuva Shakti" and inputs from the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.
• The budget emphasizes employment, skilling, and enterprise for young Indians in services, technology, and creative industries, moving beyond traditional manufacturing.
• Significant backing for the AVGC sector with Rs 1.4 lakh crore, including content creator labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges, to build career pathways.
• New National Institute of Design, National Institute of Hospitality, and expanded tourism initiatives aim to boost the "orange economy" and local job creation.
• Khelo India Mission, a high-powered "Education to Employment and Enterprise" Committee, and mental health infrastructure upgrades target holistic youth development and future job trends.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 empowers Gen Z as creators and innovators through investments in digital, creative, sports, and service sectors.