Urban vs Rural Budget Allocation – Is India Ignoring Its Villages?

India's annual Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹2.78 lakh crore for urban infrastructure (metro rail, smart cities, urban housing) against ₹1.36 lakh crore for rural development (MGNREGA, PM Gram Sadak Yojana, rural housing). With 65% of the population still rural, critics argue the tilt toward urban development reflects a skewed political priority. Supporters say urban investment drives GDP growth that benefits everyone.