Puducherry Presents ₹14,300 Crore Budget for 2026-27

# Puducherry Presents ₹14,300 Crore Budget for 2026-27 ### Why in News? The Puducherry government presented a **₹14,300 crore** tax-free Budget for **2026**-27, combining social-welfare measures with spending on education, power and public services. ### What are the major priorities? - The Budget includes free tablets for students and funding for **NEET** and **JEE** preparation in government and aided schools. - It raises several welfare benefits, including pensions for freedom fighters and marriage assistance for eligible beneficiaries. - As a Union Territory with a legislature, Puducherry prepares its own Budget within the constitutional and financial framework applicable to such UTs. ### Exam Connect - **Puducherry** → Union Territory with legislature - **Article 239A** → special provision for legislatures/councils of ministers in certain UTs