FM Nirmala Sitharaman Holds Pre-Budget Meeting With Health and Education Experts

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 6th pre-budget consultation meeting with experts and representatives from the health and education sectors on Monday in New Delhi. The discussion was part of the formal exercise to prepare the Union Budget 2025-26, set to be presented on February 1, 2025.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Finance Secretary, Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), and Secretaries from the Departments of Economic Affairs, Health and Family Welfare, School Education and Literacy, and Health Research. Chief Economic Advisors to the Government of India also participated in the consultation.

Prominent Attendees and Key Suggestions

Key stakeholders from the health and education sectors shared insights and recommendations for the upcoming budget. Attendees included:

• Dr Kailash Sharma, Director of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
• Dr Atul Kotwal, Public Health Specialist and Epidemiologist
• Dr Abhijeet Seth, President of the National Board of Examinations
• Dr Harry Mohan, Professor at St. Joseph National Academy of Health Sciences
• Prof. Raj Nehru, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Haryana
• Ramaiah Venkatraman, Founder and CEO of the Centre for Teacher Accreditation (CENTA)
• Prof. Geeta Bhatt, General Secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Rashtriya Shaikshnik Mahasangram
• Ashish Chauhan, National Organization Secretary of ABVP

Participants emphasised the need for increased investment in public health infrastructure, skill development programs, and reforms in education.

Engagement with Industry and Stakeholders

Earlier on Monday, the Finance Minister held separate consultations with representatives from various industry bodies, who presented a comprehensive set of suggestions to bolster economic growth. The finance ministry conducts annual pre-budget consultations with industry leaders, economists, and state officials to gather diverse perspectives.

In recent weeks, Sitharaman has also held discussions with MSME representatives, farmers’ associations, and economists. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with eminent economists and thought leaders at the NITI Aayog premises to align strategies for the budget.

Expectations from Budget 2025-26

The Union Budget 2025-26 will mark Nirmala Sitharaman’s 8th budget as Finance Minister. As the government approaches the latter half of its third term, expectations are high for forward-looking economic measures and policies aimed at driving growth and sustainability.

With critical sectors such as health, education, MSMEs, and agriculture under focus, the budget will likely outline key reforms and initiatives that reflect the Modi government’s vision for India’s economic roadmap.

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