“FM Nirmala Sitharaman Leads Pre-Budget Consultation with Trade Unions for Union Budget 2025-26”
New Delhi [India], January 6: On January 6, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, led the eighth Pre-Budget Consultation meeting with stakeholders and representatives from trade unions. This meeting, held in preparation for the Union Budget 2025-26, is an essential part of the government’s annual process to gather diverse inputs to shape the nation’s economic policies.
During the meeting, Sitharaman and the participants discussed the perspectives and expectations of trade unions for the upcoming budget. The discussions are part of the government’s wider pre-budget tradition, aimed at understanding the needs of various sectors to help in the effective allocation of resources and policy formulation.
The Ministry of Finance shared details of the event through a social media post, stating, “Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharamanchairs the eighth Pre-Budget Consultation with the stakeholders and representatives from the trade unions in connection with the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26, in New Delhi.”
The consultation meeting was attended by the Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, along with senior officials such as the Finance Secretary, Secretaries from the Department of Economic Affairs, and the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). Representatives from the Labour Ministry and the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India also participated in the session.
The Union Budget 2025-26, which is expected to be presented in February, is anticipated to focus on addressing economic challenges while promoting sustainable growth. These consultations are critical for ensuring that the Budget reflects the priorities of various sectors, including the trade unions.
In the days leading up to this meeting, Sitharaman held similar discussions with representatives from other sectors. On Thursday, she met with stakeholders from the financial sector and capital markets as part of her ongoing pre-budget consultations. Additionally, the Finance Ministry has conducted a series of meetings with economists, industry leaders, and officials from state governments to discuss the potential directions for the upcoming Budget.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also engaged with a group of eminent economists and thought leaders last week at the NITI Aayog to discuss the economic outlook for the upcoming fiscal year and beyond.
The Union Budget for 2025-26 will be presented on February 1, 2025, marking Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s eighth budget presentation. With the end of the Modi 3.0 tenure in sight, all eyes will be on the budget’s key announcements and its strategic economic guidance for the country’s future development.
