Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman engaged in a pre-budget discussion with students from the Delhi School of Economics, led by Director Professor Ram Singh. The students presented diverse suggestions covering skilling, green energy, rural development, and the new economy for potential inclusion in the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27, set to be unveiled on February 1.
During the Diamond Jubilee Valedictory Lecture at Delhi School of Economics in November 2025, Sitharaman had encouraged students to contribute their ideas for the Union Budget. Stressing the value of ongoing academic involvement, she highlighted the need for annual participation from young economics students to shape the nation’s budget, aiming to advance towards a developed India by 2047.
The pre-budget consultation with students also saw the presence of the Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA). Additionally, the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the schedule for the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament, with the Union Budget presentation slated for February 1, a Sunday, as per sources.
The Parliament’s calendar outlines the Budget Session’s timeline, commencing with the President’s address to the joint sitting on January 28, followed by the tabling of the Economic Survey on January 29. The first part of the budget session is scheduled between January 28 and February 13, while the second part is set for March 9 to April 2. Notably, the decision to present the Union Budget on February 1 was made in 2017 to expedite the allocation process and improve fiscal efficiency.
