Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the 2026 Union Budget plans to develop Rakhigarhi, the largest Harappan site in India, into a "vibrant, experiential cultural destination." This followed a similar promise made in the 2020-21 Union Budget to build iconic sites with museums at Rakhigarhi and four other locations. Villagers from Hisar, Haryana, reacted with scepticism. They said little work was done since the 2020 announcement and no sweets were distributed this time unlike before. Dinesh Sheoran, a local council member and former sarpanch, said only a shed and a painted boundary wall were added since 1996. Narender, Deputy Director of the State's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, stated that a hostel, guest-house and cafeteria were built and inaugurated last year by Chief Minister Nayab Saini. He added the civil work on a museum was almost complete. The state government has prepared a Rs. 206-crore Detailed Project Report to improve connectivity and expects completion by 2027. An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official revealed that only about Rs. 1 crore was spent so far by ASI, with no special central budget for Rakhigarhi’s development. Sanjay Manjul, Additional Director General of ASI, did not respond to queries on the project. In her speech, Sitharaman said 15 archaeological sites would be developed with immersive storytelling and curated walkways to improve visitor experience. At the December 26 Rakhigarhi Mahotsav, Chief Minister Saini announced a Rs. 500 crore central allocation for the site's development and opened the Harappan Knowledge Centre. Congress MP Randeep Surjewala criticized the budget on social media, saying Haryana was again overlooked. He wrote: "Haryana has no name or trace in #Budget2026! Got the ASI’s rattle in Rakhi Garhi! When the government is 'Nayab' then.... Injustice will be done to Haryana again and again!"