The Union Budget 2026-27 places strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies as key enablers of inclusive growth, capacity building and job creation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting the Budget in Parliament on Sunday.
The Budget positions technology as a central pillar in fulfilling the government’s second kartavya – empowering citizens to participate meaningfully in India’s journey towards prosperity. It highlights the role of AI, quantum technologies and research-led innovation in supporting farmers, youth, women in STEM and Divyangjan.
A major announcement in the agriculture sector is the proposal to launch ‘Bharat-VISTAAR’ (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), a multilingual AI-powered platform aimed at enhancing farm productivity and reducing risks faced by farmers.
The tool will integrate AgriStack portals and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) package of agricultural practices with AI systems. It is expected to improve farmer decision-making through customised, real-time advisory support tailored to local conditions.
Recognising the growing importance of creative industries, the Budget underscores the potential of India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector, which is projected to require nearly two million professionals by 2030.
To strengthen the talent pipeline, the Budget proposes setting up AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges with support from the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai. The initiative aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills and boost India’s Orange Economy.
To expand access to quality design education, the Budget proposes establishing a new National Institute of Design (NID) in eastern India. The move seeks to support the rapidly expanding design industry while promoting regional balance in higher education and skill development.
Acknowledging the transformative impact of AI and emerging technologies on employment, the Budget also proposes the formation of a High-Powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ Standing Committee. The committee will assess the effects of technological change on jobs and skill requirements and recommend policy measures to align education and training systems with future workforce needs.
The Budget reiterates the government’s commitment to advancing emerging technologies through initiatives such as the India AI Mission, National Quantum Mission, Anusandhan National Research Fund, and the Research, Development and Innovation Fund, reinforcing India’s push towards a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy.
