New Delhi, Feb. 5 -- Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said multiple proposals in the Union Budget for 2026-27 reflect the goal of job creation, key to closing the per-capita income gap with advanced economies. In an interview with Mint, Sitharaman also touched upon continuing customs reforms, defence sector, state capex, and the revamp of India's rural job guarantee programme.

The Centre has been reducing customs duties and the number of tariff rates, as well as simplifying airport processes, Sitharaman said. Budget FY27 sought to reform customs processes, rationalize customs duty including for aircraft engines and parts, exempt import duty for goods for nuclear power projects and exempt duty on capital goods for making li...