On February 1, 2025, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her eighth consecutive Union Budget. This sets a new record, making her the first finance minister in India to present eight straight Budgets. Her achievement brings her closer to the record of 10 Budgets held by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented Budgets over multiple terms.
Sitharaman is also the first full-time woman finance minister in India’s history. She was appointed to the role in 2019 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term, and after his third term in 2024, she continued to hold the finance portfolio.
Key Budget Presenters in India’s History
- Morarji Desai: Holds the record for the most Budgets, presenting 10 in total between 1959 and 1969.
- P. Chidambaram: Presented 9 Budgets between 1996 and 2014.
- Pranab Mukherjee: Delivered 8 Budgets from the early 1980s to the Congress-led UPA government.
Nirmala Sitharaman’s Record in Budget Speeches
Sitharaman also holds the record for the longest Budget speech, which lasted 2 hours and 40 minutes in 2020. On the other hand, the shortest speech was just 800 words, delivered by Hirubhai Patel in 1977.
Changes in Budget Timing and Dates
Historically, the Budget was presented at 5 PM on the last day of February. This changed in 1999 when Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha moved the time to 11 AM. In 2017, the presentation date was moved to February 1 to ensure the Budget could be implemented at the start of the new fiscal year.
A Shift from Tradition
In 2019, Sitharaman broke away from tradition by using a red bahi-khata to carry the Budget papers instead of the colonial-era briefcase. In 2021, she switched to a digital tablet to present the Budget documents.
Looking Ahead
As Sitharaman continues to present the Union Budget, her impact on India’s economy and budgetary traditions will remain significant. Her leadership continues to guide India through economic challenges, focusing on growth, fiscal discipline, and welfare for all citizens.
