Budget 2026: Allocation for Labour Ministry intact; Budget ignored unemployment, say trade unions

The Union Labour Ministry received a budget allocation of ₹32,666.31 crore in the 2026 Budget, remaining unchanged from last year. Trade unions criticized the lack of provisions for increasing job opportunities and ensuring social security for workers, particularly gig and platform workers. They also pointed to the reduced capital investment towards corporate investment and a failure to address concerns about healthcare, education, and worker welfare. The Indian National Trade Union Congress, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, and Centre of Indian Trade Unions expressed dissatisfaction with the budget's lack of substance for workers and its focus on corporate interests.