Sat Feb 01 10:51:12 IST 2025: ## Sitharaman to Unveil Eighth Budget, Middle Class Tax Relief in Focus

**New Delhi** – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her eighth consecutive Union Budget on [Date of Budget Presentation], with significant anticipation surrounding potential tax relief measures for the middle class. This year’s budget will be presented digitally, continuing a trend from the past three years, unlike the traditional leather briefcase used previously.

The upcoming budget for 2025-26 will be closely scrutinized for several key figures. The fiscal deficit, projected at 4.5% of GDP for FY26, is a major point of interest, as is the continuation of the government’s ambitious capital expenditure (CAPEX) plan, currently budgeted at ₹11.1 lakh crore for FY25 (though likely to be lower due to election-related delays). The government aims to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio to 60% from the current 85% by a date yet to be specified and markets will be keen to see the announced timeline.

Other crucial numbers include the government’s gross borrowing (expected to be impacted by lower RBI dividends in FY26), tax revenue projections (including GST, which is showing slowing growth), nominal and real GDP growth forecasts, and projected dividends from the RBI and public sector undertakings (PSUs). The budget will also specify targets for disinvestment and asset monetization. Finally, expenditure on key social programs like NREGA, and crucial sectors such as health and education will be closely examined. The budget is expected to provide a detailed roadmap for economic growth and fiscal consolidation in the coming year.

Read More