Description

About the Book

Fiscal policy lies at the heart of national governance, economic transformation, and social equity, yet translating macro-level budgetary allocations into meaningful developmental outcomes remains a complex challenge. This Event Outcome Report on the IMPRI 7th Annual Series of Thematic Deliberations and Analysis of the Union Budget 2026-2027 underscores the vital role of independent, evidence-based policy research in unpacking India’s evolving fiscal landscape. Originating from an intensive series of interactive deliberations convened by the IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute in 2026, this volume documents high-level discussions on fiscal discipline, strategic growth priorities, and sectoral distributions.

Moving beyond top-line figures and conventional economic summaries, the book evaluates how budgetary choices reverberate across society, directly shaping access to health, education, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. It rigorously examines the critical balance between driving rapid economic expansion and safeguarding social sector investments, assessing the real-world implications for diverse demographic segments. By integrating data-driven analyses with cross-disciplinary perspectives from leading economists, governance specialists, and finance practitioners, the volume illuminates pathways toward equitable and sustainable development.

At its core, this volume emphasizes the need to equip emerging scholars, practitioners, civil society leaders, researchers, and policymakers with the analytical clarity and critical perspectives required to assess public finance through an inclusive lens. By fostering reflective dialogue and multi-stakeholder discourse, the book contributes to ongoing efforts to enhance public understanding of the budget and steer policy interventions toward an accountable, just, and resilient economic future.