Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget on February 1, 2026. Public reaction is mixed, showing both hope and worry. P.V. Radhika, a counselling psychologist from Vijayawada, says, "From a youth perspective, the Yuva Shakti-driven Budget aligns with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, placing strong emphasis on skilling and employment in emerging sectors like Artificial Intelligence, automation, robotics and quantum technologies." She adds that while initiatives like the Education-to-Employment Committee, Orange Economy promotion, and five University Townships aim to grow job options, there are concerns about how well these will work in rural areas. Radhika points out gaps like availability of trained mentors, benefits for disadvantaged learners, need for more scholarships, easier education loans, teacher training, and campus mental health support. Homemaker C. Jayasree from Gurunanak Colony in Vijayawada feels the Budget partly addresses women's concerns. She says, "With rising prices, expectations of broader relief on essential household items were high, but reductions are limited to a few products such as synthetic footwear, textiles, microwave ovens and LPG gas." She also criticizes the lack of stronger measures on savings and direct tax breaks, which disappoint many women managing family finances. Jayasree welcomes support for rural women entrepreneurs but says, "Demands related to children’s education costs, healthcare expenses and overall ease of living remain largely unmet." Meanwhile, teacher S. Rambabu calls the Budget balanced and practical. He remarks, "The focus on job creation, MSMEs, manufacturing and agriculture along with attention to farmers, fisherfolk, women and youth offers a sense of direction." Rambabu highlights relief on medicines for cancer and rare diseases as a big help for middle and lower income families. He admits worries about inflation and daily costs but says there is cautious hope the Budget will drive growth and economic stability. Many citizens view the Budget as a visionary plan with good intentions but stress its success hinges on real action, especially for youth, women, and ordinary households facing rising costs and job challenges.