nirmala-sitharaman-on-budget-day-what-might-she-say

The Union Budget 2025 is drawing closer, and there is an air of high anticipation as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares for her announcement. The first part of the Parliament's Budget session will run from January 31 to February 13, 2025.

 

This period marks the beginning of discussions and presentations leading up to the much-awaited budget speech, which is expected to include crucial financial plans that will impact various sectors.

 

Across multiple sectors, from individual taxpayers to industries like tech, healthcare, insurance, and finance, expectations are building. There is widespread hope for income tax cuts, GST rationalisation, and industry-specific policies designed to reinvigorate the economy and foster job creation.

 

Many stakeholders are also eager to see measures that will boost consumer sentiment, which is crucial in sustaining economic recovery.

 

On January 6, Finance Minister Sitharaman completed her Pre-Budget Consultation, engaging with various stakeholders, unions, and representatives before setting the course for the 2025-26 Budget.

 

This consultation is a standard procedure before drafting the final Budget and helps in addressing the needs and concerns of key sectors. As part of the parliamentary process, the first segment of the session will begin on January 31, followed by the second segment from March 10 to April 4, 2025.

 

This year’s Budget will be significant as it marks Sitharaman’s eighth Budget speech in Parliament, and her second comprehensive Budget during the current Modi government’s third term.

 

As has been customary, the Finance Minister is expected to deliver the Budget speech at 11 am on February 1, 2025, although the date remains unconfirmed officially by the Ministry.

 

Despite it being a Saturday, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain operational on February 1 due to the Union Budget's release.

 

In her address, industry leaders and economic experts are expecting key announcements that will provide relief to the common taxpayer, as well as sector-specific incentives to encourage growth.

 

Key sectors such as digital infrastructure, defence, green technologies, and social welfare initiatives are also expected to see some focus, continuing the government’s focus on long-term, sustainable growth.