As the budget bells ring in New Delhi, Nirmala Sitharaman opens pre-Budget consultations with economists and farmers to frame India’s FY2027 roadmap.
Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the pre-Budget consultation process ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27. The first round of meetings, held in New Delhi, brought together renowned economists to discuss key policy priorities and fiscal strategies for the upcoming financial year.
Senior officials from the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), including the Secretary, Chief Economic Adviser, and other key members of the Finance Ministry, were present during the deliberations.
Discussions focused on India’s macroeconomic outlook, fiscal consolidation, and measures to sustain growth while ensuring financial stability.
Following the economists’ session, Sitharaman met with representatives of farmer organisations and agriculture economists to gather inputs on challenges facing the farm sector. The meetings, held between 10 AM and 3 PM, marked the formal start of the ministry’s annual pre-Budget exercise.
These consultations are an integral part of the budget-making process, allowing the government to incorporate insights from a broad range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, trade unions, and social sector representatives. The objective is to ensure that the Union Budget reflects diverse perspectives and addresses key economic and sectoral needs.
Industry bodies such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) have already submitted recommendations. Their proposals include direct tax reforms, expansion of the tax base, and policies to strengthen manufacturing, innovation, and compliance.
The pre-Budget meetings will continue over the coming weeks with representatives from various sectors. Finance Minister Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget 2026–27 in Parliament on February 1, 2026.
