Budget 2024: Nirmala Sitharaman to Present Interim Budget on February 1
Unveiling India’s Financial Roadmap for 2024-25
The anticipation is high as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gears up to present the Interim Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on February 1. This marks her sixth consecutive budget presentation, and the responsibility rests on her shoulders, along with a team of seasoned officers and economists from various backgrounds.
Nirmala Sitharaman: Leading the Budget Team
Education and Background
Nirmala Sitharaman, an alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University, has been entrusted with the crucial responsibility of shaping India’s economic landscape. With her team, she is diligently preparing Budget 2024, bringing together experts and novelties to craft a financial plan that addresses the nation’s needs.
Meet the Budget Team
TV Somanathan: Senior Secretary, Central Finance Ministry
Tamil Nadu’s IAS officer TV Somanathan holds the crucial position of Senior Secretary in the Central Finance Ministry. His experience working closely with Prime Minister Modi during the first term adds depth to the team.
Ajay Seth: Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs
A 1987 batch IAS officer from Karnataka cadre, Ajay Seth is spearheading the Department of Economic Affairs in the Finance Ministry. He played a pivotal role in launching India’s first Sovereign Green Bond.
Tuhin Kanta Pandey: Secretary, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management
Hailing from the Odisha cadre (1987 batch), Tuhin Kanta Pandey brings his experience from spearheading key initiatives like Air India’s privatization and LIC’s IPO to the Budget 2024 team.
Sanjay Malhotra: Rajasthan’s Revenue Secretary
Sanjay Malhotra, a 1990 batch officer from the Rajasthan cadre, currently serves as the Revenue Secretary. His responsibility includes increasing tax revenue while also contributing to drafting portions of Finance Minister Sitharaman’s budget speech.
Vivek Joshi: Secretary, Department of Financial Services
A 1989 batch officer from Haryana cadre, Vivek Joshi took charge as the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services in 2022. His diverse experience includes serving as the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
V Anantha Nageswaran: Chief Economic Adviser
V Anantha Nageswaran, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India, is a prominent economic thinker. His insights into the global economic scenario make him a valuable asset to Finance Minister Sitharaman.
Nitin Gupta: Chairman, CBDT
An officer in the Indian Revenue Service, Nitin Gupta, currently the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), plays a crucial role in formulating proposals related to income tax, corporate tax, and direct taxes for Budget 2024.
Sanjay Kumar Agrawal: Chairman, CBIC
As the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Sanjay Kumar Agrawal, an IRS officer, is pivotal in suggesting changes in indirect taxes, custom duties, and proposals related to GST for the upcoming budget.
Ashish Vachhani: Chief Budget Officer
Ashish Vachhani, a 1997 batch IAS officer from Tamil Nadu cadre, is the Chief Budget Officer. Recognized as a veteran officer, his extensive experience in policy formulation and implementation adds a valuable perspective to the team.
Key Considerations for Budget 2024
The team, led by Finance Minister Sitharaman, is focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities that India faces in the current economic scenario. With an emphasis on fostering economic growth, job creation, and fiscal discipline, Budget 2024 aims to lay a robust foundation for the nation’s financial future.
As the nation eagerly awaits the presentation of the Interim Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her dedicated team are working tirelessly to craft a financial roadmap that aligns with the aspirations of the people. This budget is not just about numbers; it’s a strategic plan to steer India towards prosperity.