New Delhi, March 27 -- Parliament on Friday passed the Finance Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod to the legislation after it was approved by the Lok Sabha.

The passing of the Finance Bill marks the completion of the budgetary process.

In her reply to the debate, Sitharaman said in view of the ongoing and evolving situation in West Asia, the government has resolved to provide relief in the form of a significant reduction in excise duties on Petroleum and Diesel so as to ensure stable prices.

"Mobilization of additional resources, prioritization of growth-induced expenditure, better targeting of welfare expenditure, and greater transparency in fiscal operations have been the hallmarks of our government," she said

"Going fo...