Sitharaman’s Ninth Budget Marks Historic Milestone, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted a historic moment in India’s parliamentary journey, saying that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time, becoming the first woman finance minister in the country to do so.

Addressing Parliament at the start of the 2026 Budget Session, the Prime Minister said India has entered a decisive phase of its national journey, with one-fourth of the 21st century already completed.

He described the upcoming Budget as the first financial roadmap of the next 25 years, leading to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

PM Modi underlined that Sitharaman’s ninth straight Budget presentation stands as a landmark achievement in India’s legislative history. He termed the moment a source of national pride, reflecting continuity and stability in economic policymaking.

The Finance Minister is scheduled to present the Union Budget on February 1.

This will be the 15th Budget of the Modi-led government and the second full Budget since the NDA returned to power for a third consecutive term in 2024.

Budget preparations are being led by a seasoned team of senior officials. Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur is steering the overall Budget framework, shaping fiscal priorities and macroeconomic strategy for FY 2026–27.

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran is providing analytical inputs on growth projections, global risks, and sectoral performance.

Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava is overseeing tax policy, while Expenditure Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam is managing public spending and fiscal discipline.

The Department of Financial Services and the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management are also playing key roles in financial inclusion, banking reforms, and non-tax revenue mobilisation.

Also Read: Budget Session Sets Course For Viksit Bharat 2047; PM Modi Tells Parliament