Thu Jan 30 12:43:05 UTC 2025: ## Key Players Assemble as India Prepares for Crucial 2025-26 Union Budget

**New Delhi, January 26, 2025** – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is gearing up to present her eighth Union Budget on February 1st, a crucial document balancing India’s projected 6.4% growth with persistent inflation concerns. The budget’s preparation is a large-scale collaborative effort, relying heavily on a team of expert officials.

Leading the economic strategy is Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran, whose term concludes this year. He is responsible for setting the macroeconomic framework and drafting the Economic Survey, which precedes the Budget.

Overseeing the allocation of resources is Expenditure Secretary Manoj Govil, a 1991-batch IAS officer tasked with approving new schemes and managing inter-state funds. The crucial role of preparing the final Budget documents and maintaining macroeconomic stability falls to Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth.

Revenue generation and tax simplification are the focus for Finance and Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey, newly appointed in January 2025. Meanwhile, DIPAM Secretary Arunish Chawla will spearhead asset monetization and divestment programs, including the strategic sale of IDBI Bank. Ensuring efficient credit flow and strengthening financial services is the responsibility of Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju.

The combined expertise of this high-powered team will be crucial in shaping the 2025-26 Union Budget and navigating the challenges facing the Indian economy.

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